Dendrobium Questions ???

[Myrle Diefendorf]

I dont know how to start a new topic, nothing comes up on this site so this is about dendrobiums. I just was given a Hugh number of dendrobium kingianum plants with a zillion keikis. I need to replant. I know they are native to Australia and are lithophytes, so what do I plant them in? I am thinking a small pot with a mix of pea gravel and small bark (since the roots are small) but should I add a little limestone ... I don't know the Ph of Australia's growing area, and should I add a bit of Osmocote fertilizer or what? Our blue Ridge Orchid Society of South Carolina is hoping to have a plant auction this fall, and I would like to put these in it, as this is how we pay for our speakers.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No limestone.

Pea gravel and bark is fine. You can even add some coconut coir and charcoal to the mix.

Pea gravel or turkey grit is crushed granite. Den kingianum grows on granite outcrops in the wild. There is a thin layer of bark and other vegetative debris on the surface of the granite. In between the crevices of the granite are fibrous plant material.

Diatomite is good too. I have mine in the Aussie Gold brand. Not sure if Aussie Gold is still being produced, but it is definitely still being sold. Can't figure out what happened to Ivan J. Harrison and his company. You can make your own "Aussie Gold" if they really have stopped production on these. Just get the appropriate grade of freshwater diatomite and add some charcoal and coconut coir.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Okay thanks. I guess diatomite is the skeletal remains of diatoms and would be like calcium carbonate. The Ph would probably be somewhat acid then. What about fertilizer... a weak solution of Orchid fertilizer with all the trace elements?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Actually, diatomite is composed of silicates.

Diatom Skeletons

Yes, the pH would be slightly acidic.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

You are like me Lornie, learning about different Dendrobidiums, mostly via this Forum, Nobile does not need that winter dry rest, when you withheld water completely or water minimally, like some others:-) Thanks God we can get help and info here:-)

---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------

Ohh, God, this Forum will kill me, every time I see or read about new orchid I do not know, I google, and than I want, this Kingianum is amazing, I already put it on my list:-))) Wow, really great Dendrobium!

[lornaheath]

For anyone who wants to get excited TOMMY I would simply Google these names that REALLY stand out for me. These are stunning images.

Go Google:

BEE ORCHID

GHOST ORCHID

MONKEY ORCHID

DUCK ORCHID

They are sooooo unusual. Not that keen on the BEE ORCHID although it is spectacular, I think I would be very jumpy if I had a crop of them blowing in the wind anywhere near me. (Especially in the corner of my front room! Yikes!).

The Godfather introduced me to all of these and although I would never presume to try to own or rear any of these in England's wonderful climate, I do delight in the seduction of them and showing them off via the Interweb!! I love seeing someone's face when I watch them google these.

Lorna
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[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Dendrobium nobile does have a 3 month winter rest, and it goes fully deciduous. You can still water it a little, but, fertilizer should be completely withheld.

[lornaheath]

Fank U Phillipe.

Every little helps a bit more.

Lorna
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[TOMMYMIAMI]

Ok Lornie, read this post, looked into dendrobium kingianum, put it on my list, went to sleep, got up another 30 minutes later and bought it:-)))) Now I can really go sleep, I just could not wait till morning:-))))

[lornaheath]

Well I bet you're snoring your little head off now. Well at least your wallet is safe gor a few hours. Poor overworked little thing.

If you're still lurking and not snoring, get to bloody bed Man. You'll be a Zombie tomorra!!!!

Lorna

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