...and seven years later (Dendrobium spectabile)

[Jeff214]

I hadn't been interested in orchids until I saw a BetterGro bag baby of a Dendrobium spectabile in 2014. I've never seen a flower more bizarre! This was the first orchid I had bought for myself.

While a vigorous grower, I could not get it to bloom. I tried withholding fertilizer and water, cooler temps, direct sun, but it was obstinately recalcitrant! I was able to easily bloom other latouriates, including a primary hybrid with stectabile... but not this one.

I don't think I did anything different this year. The newest growth was, however, much taller than the previous growths. Maybe this strain has a long juvenile period?

Anyway, excited that this thing finally spiked. What I need to get my other (taller) Den spectabile to bloom, I do not know... another 7 years to reach maturity maybe.


Dendrobium spectabile 'Hooslier' x 'Shorty' a few years ago and today. This strain has a short, bushy growth habit.