dens and phal dens

[mattryan]

this is probably a very stupid question, but here goes. Do all phal/Dens spike from top of canes, while Dens can flower from individual nodes along cane? Thanks

[estación seca]

No, it's not stupid.

First of all let's clear up some names. Dendrobium is a genus of orchids from Asia. They are sympodial, which means they send up new growths from the bases of older growths. Each growth develops to a mature size, then stops growing taller. As more growths form from the base of the plant, over time, they increase in size horizontally. They have (usually) multiple leaves on each growth. A characteristic of all Dendrobium flowers is they have a nectar spur, visible on the back of the lip.

Phalaenopsis is a genus of orchids from Asia. They are monopodial, meaning growth continues in an upward direction from the existing crown. The stem gradually elongates upward as new leaves are formed. They sometimes branch and develop more growth points, but each growth continues growing upward.

Phalaenopsis flowers are sometimes rounded in outline. There is a group of Dendrobium species whose flowers resemble Phalaenopsis flowers. Among these species are Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium bigibbum. This group is called Dendrobium phalaenopsis group. Hybrids are called Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrids or Den phals. They are not related to Phalaenopsis other than both are orchids.

Almost every flowering plant in the world has a small bud of potentially dividing tissue above every leaf on every stem. This bud is called a meristem. It can grow into a new growth, or one or more flowers. Both Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis have such a meristem above each leaf. In genus Phalaenopsis a flower spike may develop from the meristem above any leaf, and occasionally from the center of the plant. In genus Dendrobium flowers may come from almost any meristem along the stem. The Den phal group typically has flower spikes form from the very top of the stem, and/or the few leaves below this. Other Dendrobiums may have flower spikes form all along the stems, above the leaves.

[Dollythehun]

I want to tread lightly, as ES has forgotten more than I have ever learned...in my prior growing experience he is correct. However, last year I purchased three den Phals who are apparently only going to flower from the top. My elderly den Phal flowers as ES stated. These newer plants are a disappointment. I'll see if I can find a picture.

1st pic is my old plant, 2nd the flowers and 3rd one of the newbies. As ES explained, the problem is space. An old plant can take up a lot of room but, is also easy to grow, so can be grown in many places.

[estación seca]

You've only had them a year. When they are bigger they might make more flowers.

[mattryan]

I think I wasn't clear in my question. I am referring to the Den phal only does this plant only bloom from top of the cane? While the Dens bloom all along the cane.

[Dollythehun]

You were clear. My answer was yes and no. It should. Some of mine aren't. Please see my pictured.

[estación seca]

Den phals bloom from the top of the cane, and often from the first few nodes below this. In subsequent years healthy plants can bloom from nodes even farther down the cane.

Other Dens can bloom from all along the cane, the base of the cane, the top of the cane... it's a huge genus with a lot of different plants.

[mattryan]

Thankyou Estacion that was exactly what I was wondering. Because I have only ever seen them bloom from top of plant so I thought that was how Den phal only bloomed.