Dendrobium atroviolaceum

[ewcia1028]

.Since this is a discussion about Dend Atroviolaceum.I have one hybrid but it is a cross with Alexandrae and it is called 'Wonder Nishii'.I have this den for 10 years and it was never divided and right now I have 32 spikes with many flowers.It blooms every year for 6 months and then rest for 3 months and start to send flowers again.There is a picture of this dendrobium.

[nancy]

Wowza, wowza - that is quite a display!
Cheers - Nancy

[ewcia1028]

:Thank you Nancy

[WhiteRabbit]

WOW! That's stunning! thanks for sharing pix with us!

[ewcia1028]

and Thank you Sonya

[catwalker808]

Here's a photo of an entire 'Pygmy' plant in bloom. We originally got flasks a few flasks over 10 years ago, bloomed the plants, set seed & propagated plants.

In addition to plant & flower size, there are differences between the miniature version and the regular sized Den atroviolaceum. 'Pygmy' is the variety name we applied to one of the original plants that we bloomed. The miniature Den atroviolaceums are now generically referred to as "atroviolaceum Pygmy".

The regular atroviolaceums bloom once a year, starting from January-March and lasting for 3-5 months. The mini 'Pygmy' strain frequently blooms twice a year (once in early spring and possibly again in the fall). The blooms are of shorter duration, usually 2 months, possibly 3 months.

The regular atroviolaceums are a little more finicky about blooming. They need water throughout, but no fertilizer from early fall until they bloom. With too much fertilizer, plants will be lush with MANY canes and reluctant blooms. With fertilizer withheld and some 60 degree temps, the pbulbs will be fewer & fatter. Plants will also bloom better.

'Pygmy' type plants can be grown under cattleya or den conditions. Starving & chilling are not necessary.

Several years ago, we expected the 'Pygmy' strain to be designated as a separate species. This has not happened.

ewcia.
Your plant is probably one which we made many years ago. Based on the planks in the background, looks like your plant is more than 30-36 inches. It has great blooms, but is maybe a bit tall. Using the 'Pygmy' we've remade the Wonder Nishi several times & produced a much shorter, more compact version that blooms very easily under cat or den conditions.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by ewcia1028

and Thank you Sonya

You are very welcome! are you able to grow it outdoors year round? I see we have the same 'grow zone'.

[WhiteRabbit]

Using the 'Pygmy' we've remade the Wonder Nishi several times & produced a much shorter, more compact version that blooms very easily under cat or den conditions.

Awesome! As I was admiring the photo I was wondering if there was a Wonder Nishi perhaps made with the pygmy variety atroviolaceum I'm gonna need one of those!

[ewcia1028]

Maybe is tall ,but it is spectacular for me and it is very easy Den for me to rebloom and it stays in flower for 6 months so I can't complain, but be happy every year for it to bloom and for giving me more flowers every year.This Den is one of my first orchids and when I take it to the show, I don't see any den with so many flowers except maybe for Den Speciosum.I got the Best Dendrobium of the Show during Santa Barbara Show in 2005 and I cherish and I am very proud of this one

[ewcia1028]

Sonya again.I grow it in the greenhouse during winter time because, I am afraid that can get too cold,but during the summer time I keep it outside on my patio so I can have more space in my greenhouse.I believe this one is on the warmer side,but I am not quite sure.I think that your place might get too cold to grow it outside.If you can grow Masdevallia without problem then you weather is much colder then mine Mine also is blooming two times a year,right now and in November again.