Den. Kingianum

[Den-phal52]

I live in Miami. Am wondering what some sources mean when they say this orchid needs "slight winter rest." Slight?

[Roberta]

First, welcome!

I think they suggest just reducing watering somewhat, and don't fertilize for a few months. They'll get some natural cooling and drying - you do get the occasional chilly winter night, I think. And less rain than in summer. Where you live, you could probably just let Mother Nature do most of the work. Water only if you have an extended dry period.

[aparnamane]

Hi Roberta,

Wondering what about SoCal, I do have Den. Kingianum got in Jul from Andy's orchids (mounted), it has grown almost 8-9 new canes but has not flowered yet. Does it need winter rest? As per the description from Andy's orchid website, it says Winter, Spring Blooming, so I was under the impression that it will grow spike in winter.

Would appreciate your expert/experienced advice.


Thanks.

[Roberta]

Den kingianum tends to bloom in the spring, at least in my yard. It doesn't make long spikes - flowers emerge , mostly from the top of new growths though sometimes from nodes lower on the cane, only a relatively short time before they bloom. So you will likely not see any action until February or March or thereabouts. Even on its large "cousin" Den speciosum, the spikes (which are longer) don't start to show until late winter. This whole group (temperate-zone Australian Dendrobiums) blooms like crazy around the time of the spring shows. How convenient!

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Den kingianum tends to bloom in the spring, at least in my yard. It doesn't make long spikes - flowers emerge , mostly from the top of new growths though sometimes from nodes lower on the cane, only a relatively short time before they bloom. So you will likely not see any action until February or March or thereabouts. Even on its large "cousin" Den speciosum, the spikes (which are longer) don't start to show until late winter. This whole group (temperate-zone Australian Dendrobiums) blooms like crazy around the time of the spring shows. How convenient!

Thanks Roberta.

Very helpful, I was wondering why my den didn't bloom even after that much growth, but after hearing from you now hoping for spring


Thank you.

[Den-phal52]

Thank you, Roberta. I was sorta thinking along the lines of what you said. Will wait for spring...fingers and toes crossed!

Are you in southern California? If so, your weather might be more like where kingianum grow.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Den-phal52

Thank you, Roberta. I was sorta thinking along the lines of what you said. Will wait for spring...fingers and toes crossed!

Are you in southern California? If so, your weather might be more like where kingianum grow.

I am indeed in southern California. I'm coastal, so a bit more temperate temperature range and more humidity than where aparnamane lives (also southern California but more inland) But for both of us, definitely a good match for coastal southeast, south, and western Australia, Those Aussie Dendrobiums put on a brilliant display in spring. Unfortunately, flowers are fairly short-lived, but it's a glorious 10 days to 2 weeks when they are doing their thing.

[estación seca]

Most species orchids have definite growing and flowering seasons. Eventually you'll learn them. A lot of Dens. - even in different groups with different climate requirements - flower in spring or summer on older growths.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I am indeed in southern California. I'm coastal, so a bit more temperate temperature range and more humidity than where aparnamane lives (also southern California but more inland) But for both of us, definitely a good match for coastal southeast, south, and western Australia, Those Aussie Dendrobiums put on a brilliant display in spring. Unfortunately, flowers are fairly short-lived, but it's a glorious 10 days to 2 weeks when they are doing their thing.

I was leaving in Melbourne Australia (not western but southeastern part of Australia) more than 6 years, but its shame I never been in the Orchid hobby that time, to be honest never came across orchid stuff that time, now learning about Orchids and thinking would be able to enjoy Aussie Den orchids if I was aware of Orchid stuff.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by aparnamane

I had been leaving in Melbourne Australia (not western but southeastern part of Australia) more than 6 years, but its shame I never been in the Orchid hobby that time, to be honest never came across orchid stuff that time.

You should definitely consider those Aussie Dendrobiums... they do very well here. In fact, living in Vista, among your orchid journeys, you should definitely make a visit to Sunset Valley Orchids, also in Vista. They are having an Open House on Saturday, Dec 2. Along with mini and compact Cattleyas, and Catasetinae, they specialize in Australian Dendrobiums (temperate area) hybrids. Check out details here, scroll down a bit: Orchid Event Calendar, Shows and Festivals
If you can't make the Open House, you should call for an appointment before you visit. But for the Open House, just show up.