Ideas for a particular Dendrobium collection

[troy1191]

New here! First post, but I've read a lot!

So I've been trying to find some really nice orchids to add to my collection and i have a somewhat particular sweet spot.

I absolutely adore Deciduous Dendrobiums that flower on old leafless canes, but I prefer ones which flower close to the canes and which flower ALL OVER the canes, instead of on long inflorescences (though i would settle for long inflorescences if they were also ALL OVER the canes). I own a Dendrobium Aphyllum which is basically the (plant) love of my life. I also just ordered a Dendrobium Fimbriatum which isn't quite perfect because it has longer inflorescences and isn't quite as "naked" as the Den. Aphyllum when it flowers. Aphyllum and other Dens. with a fairly severe winter rest are also very ideal for me because they can handle my treks to and from college and being left at the dorms for the short breaks that force me away from them.

I find myself having trouble finding more examples of the type of Dendrobiums I love. Another favorite i don't own at the moment is Dendrobium Miyakei. I've also considered Den. Anosmum but it seems really similar to Den. Aphyllum, but if people disagree please let me know! I would love ideas and knowledge from other people who might share my interest! (Fragrance is always a PLUS!)

[WhiteRabbit]

I adore my Mingle's Sapphire! (victoria-reginae x gonzalessii). Mine has not been out of bloom this year since mid-late winter, I think. It's been quite an easy grower and bloomer for me. It's been quite happy on moderately bright windowsill. It does like it's water

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board.

How about Den unicum, not sure if that fits the bill but I love it. It's deciduous and when mature and grown well has a lot of flowers all over.

[troy1191]

Mingle's Sapphire was one i saw and liked a lot but I couldn't seem to find any retailers that carried it! I also saw hybrids of miyakei and victoria regina which is basically 2 all-stars in one but again I couldn't find one to buy T.T

Den. unicum is one I've had my eye on for a good while. It fits the bill in basically every department except size. I have a decent collection of other orchids besieds these picky ones lol. I think unicum would end up chilling with my catasetum R-N and my Catts instead of with the big long trailing Dens.

Does anyone know any online retailers that specialize in, or have a long list of Dens? (I use Andy's orchids and I LOVE everything they send me, but I've been through their lists a few times already...)

[Magnus A]

Hi
Can´t help you with retailers as I am on the wrong continent but I have three suggestions for your collection.

D. garrettii
D. gregulus
D. peguanum

All deciduous miniatures with massive blooming!

/Magnus

[troy1191]

Well I went through EVERY dendrobium at orchidspecies and came up with 4 that I really like.

Den. falconeri - it looks very similar to D. wardianum but has less waxy looking flowers and prefers an even dryer winter rest

Den. moschatum - It only flowers towards the apex of the leafless canes, but it looks so beautiful and impressive when it flowers as a specimen sized plant.

Den. goldschmidtianum - SUPPOSEDLY it's a synonym for miyakei but it is somewhat fragrant where miyakei is not?

Den. anosmum - pretty flowers, fragrant, gets big, and flowers in just the way I like!

anosmum and goldschmidtianum I think I can find easily but faloneri and moschatum might take some work

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by troy1191

Mingle's Sapphire was one i saw and liked a lot but I couldn't seem to find any retailers that carried it! I also saw hybrids of miyakei and victoria regina which is basically 2 all-stars in one but again I couldn't find one to buy T.T

Den. unicum is one I've had my eye on for a good while. It fits the bill in basically every department except size. I have a decent collection of other orchids besieds these picky ones lol. I think unicum would end up chilling with my catasetum R-N and my Catts instead of with the big long trailing Dens.

Does anyone know any online retailers that specialize in, or have a long list of Dens? (I use Andy's orchids and I LOVE everything they send me, but I've been through their lists a few times already...)

I got my Mingle's Sapphire from Clackamas-Orchids Acineta to Staurochilus, but don't see them listed currently. I see this site has them listed Petite Plaisance - Orchid Species, Dendrobium forbesii, Dendrobium falconeri, Dendrobium victoria-reginae, Dendrobium finisterrae, Dendrobium spectabilis, Dendrobium anosmum, Dendrobium gordonii, Dendrobium trigonopus, Dendrobium guerreroi, Dendrobiu - haven't dealt with this vendor - they do have quite a few Dens as well.

Depending on conditions you can provide - maybe victoria-reginae, nobile are others you might check out.

Moschatum has lovely, tho short lived blooms.

[gnathaniel]

Welcome, Troy! I love deciduous Dendrobiums too.

Unfortunately I think Petite Plaisance is out of business. Clackamas is a good vendor and might still have some if you email David about it. Other reputable online vendors for species Dens include H&R, Oak Hill, Marni Turkel, Carolina, Golden Gate, J&L, Parkside, Tropical Orchid Farm, Kawamoto, Clown Alley, Smiley's, Santa Barbara Orchid Estate... Try the Orchid Nurseries Search Engine, too.

parishii is a very cool species, much like a compact anosmum with similar flowers and fragrance but rarely more than 10-12" long growths. The canes are very striking after they lose their leaves for the winter. Among other deciduous bloomers I really enjoy are the aforementioned unicum and nobile; loddigesii, tortile, lituiflorum, moniliforme, findlayanum, hercoglossum, and lawesii. Most of these can be found without much trouble if you ask around with a few vendors. There are also some really excellent hybrids if that's your thing, Kokomo and Yellow Chinsai are two good ones I've tried.

I recommend you look at a copy of the Lavarack et al Dendrobium book, it's broken down by botanical section so you can easily look up close relations of a species you know you like.

[jaxorchidman]

Try looking up Den. Golden Aya. I have had one for a year now and it grows and flowers like parishii, but it has yellow flowers with a little orange in the labellum.

[Wynn Dee13]

If you call Andy's Orchids he has a lot more plants than what are listed on his site. So if you are having a hard time finding something call him or send him an email. Good luck!