BUY

 

You need to keep an eye on your plants as this could be a rainy time of the year. Epis don't like to be wet. This is a quiet time in the garden. Plants are resting preparing for the blooming season. We usually don't buy cuttings this time of year, but plants can always be purchased. If you have questions please do not hesitate to call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 or ask about availability or email us.

 

PLANT

 

Winter months' are the least appropriate for planting cuttings and re-potting. Unless you are in the mildest of areas where growing conditions continue during this season, hold off planting new cuttings. Usually cuttings can be successfully stored in a cool, dark, damp place till warmer weather arrives. The same recommendation applies to re-potting. If a plant shows signs of stress it is likely due to cold weather and will rectify its appearance the following spring. If however you feel the plant is suffering from a waterlogged root system due to poor pot drainage or excessive rainfall, remove the plant from the pot and inspect the root system. When a root mass has rotted away from water or frost the best remedy is to remove the roots completely. As long a the plant remains in a humid environment it will survive out of the pot until planting season returns. Store the plant as you would un-rooted cuttings. Call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 with questions or to ask about availability or email us.

 

FERTILIZE

 

Refrain from fertilizing your mature Epis this month. Now, if you have young plants that most likely will not bloom in the spring you can continue to feed them with a balanced fertilizer e.g. 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 to encourage growth. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us.

 

WATER

 

Epis use little water. Place a small flat rock on your mix and check it weekly. Turn it over and see if it is moist or not. If it is wet do not water. If it is not wet continue to test for watering by sticking a finger an inch or two into the mix. If it feels damp don't water. If it feels dry water until you see it drain out the bottom of the container. Mist between waterings when the weather is hot and dry. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.

 

PRUNE 

 

It is important that you continue to groom your plants. If you were diligent when your plants stopped blooming at the end of the growing season, then you can take a well deserved rest. Remember, your Epi will let you know which branches need to be removed. Remove all dead plant material by breaking off branches or using sterilized shears. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.

 

PROTECT

 

Be alert to the weather. You must protect your Epis from frost and hail. You can protect your plants by insulating your growing area with the heaviest mill clear plastic you can find. Remember – cold weather is a good thing. It enables your plants to lapse into dormancy which is necessary to produce blooms in the spring. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.

 

INSPECT AND TREAT FOR PEST/DISEASE

 

If you are insulating your plantings or “winterizing” them, you are also creating an environment for vermin and their friends. These pests will eat or devour tender growth. You may have to use poison bait and or rodent traps. Good Luck. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.

 

TRANSPLANT

 

Winter months are the least appropriate for planting cuttings and re-potting. You should be able to store any unspotted cuttings in a cool, dark, damp place until warmer weather arrives. If you feel that your plant is suffering from too much water and that the roots might be rotting, then you need to remove the plant from the pot. You then need to completely remove the roots. As long as you keep your Epi in a humid environment it will survive out of the pot until planting season. You should store this plant just like you would unrooted cuttings. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Provide as much light for your epies as possible during the winter months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Remember – if you need to cover your plants during a rain – if possible remove this layer as soon as practical to allow more light for your epies. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us.