Den Cathy Beck

[cabnc]

Den Cathy Beck is a miniature seed-propagated plant cultivar from the University of Hawaii. The cross is D. Mini Gem and D. antennatum.
I purchased my plant from Jerry at OrchidsAmore in April 2009. The plant is a total of 12" tall, spike and all. After this flowering and when new growth starts, I'll repot it from the original 2" pot.
For those interested in the details of breeding, the U of Hawaii sites gives more info:

"They crossed in 1981 the diminutive species Dendrobium carronii, with D. bigibbum var. compactum. This hybrid was registered as D. Mini Gem. Among diploid offspring an amphidiploid (tetraploid) plant was uncovered, and subsequently was utilized to produce several progenies.

The cross between amphidiploid D. Mini Gem (PPEE genome) and D. antennatum of the Ceratobium section (CC genome) made in January 7, 1987 resulted in a triploid hybrid progeny compromising one genome each from D. bigibbum var. compactum (P), D. carronii (E) and D. antennatum (C). This cross showed several desirable characteristics and was registered as D. Cathy Beck."

I think I need to go back to school

Charlie

[Sun rm.N.E.]

Wow! Thanks for posting the lovely photos of this interesting mini. Small antennatum hybrids are good news for us who have to give away our mature dends when they get too big. I will be very interested in how it develops long-term.

Is it fragrant?

[RosieC]

Really cute. A lovely flower.

[cabnc]

I wish - but I do not detect any fragrance

Charlie

[Hera]

I got a Cathy Beck from Jerry last year. Its one of the easiest to grow and blooms regularly, twice a year. I would like to get more like this one.

[Sandy4453]

I also got one from Jerry the same time as you, Charlie. Thanks for the history on this one. I love this little mini. Mine only blooms once a year, in late autumn, early winter. Here's mine....