Dendrochilum smithianum

[Jeff214]

Here is a pretty*** Dendrochilum smithianum that I got from Andy's open house for $7 or so. It spiked shortly after! This species is very compact, easy to grow so far, and the flower spikes are quite nice. ***It's also pretty stinky - a stench of concentrated Bradford pear. It was difficult getting these close shots in haha...

[DirtyCoconuts]

i am impressed. i have spotty success with this genus

how/where is it growing?

[Jeff214]

This one is growing indoors (60-75 oF) at the moment. I potted it in fine bark with hydroton at the bottom for drainage. I have it constantly wet - you can see the pot and saucer turning green.

[DirtyCoconuts]

cool, how long does your bark last in that configuration?

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

cool, how long does your bark last in that configuration?

It seems fine for 2 years? The hydroton is soaking wet but the bark is just moist.

[smweaver]

That is a very cool plant. I do like those bright yellow blooms also. It looks like a relatively small-grower, which means I can easily hide it and thereby avoid a finger-wagging lecture from my partner about breaking my "no new orchids in 2023" new year's resolution, which was ignored faster than a gift membership to CrossFit.

Are the blooms of this species fragrant?

[Jeff214]

It’s quite small. Not miniature, but small enough to hide it from your partner… haha. It is quite fragrant - unfortunately in an awful way. Thankfully you’d have to get pretty close to notice.