Teeny Den. aggregatum

[Izzie]

Part of my first haul from a bonafide orchid greenhouse!
From Fantasy Orchids in CO.
Who could say no to this little cutie.
I included a picture of it next to the L.anceps division they gave me for comparison.


I didn't ask how old it is, how far from blooming size do you guys think it is?

Some questions about culture:
1. Does this den like being underpotted?
2. Let dry a little between waterings?

I know it needs a winter rest, it's currently in a west window in a humid room.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'd say it's a year or two from blooming. They don't get large.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I'd say it's a year or two from blooming. They don't get large.

so excitedddd.

[RosieC]

Cool, what a cute little plant.

[got ants]

I think they do best on either a hard wood mount, or in a short wooden basket. They are really nice mounted aon a teak burl (either RF or Rueben sells them).

DO NOT use fungicide on them prior to a winter rest, or you won't have any blooms. As long as they dry out quickly, you can water them alot (during summer etc..).

If the potting material stays wet (wooden basket for example) it will get black spots. If too much fungicide, the leafs will turn white. I speak from experiance.

I have 4 aggregatums, two lindeyi, and two jenkinsii. These are almost identical but got from the largest to smallest, repectively, with the jenkinsii being the hardest to grow. Likewise, the aggregatums are the easiest.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by got ants

I think they do best on either a hard wood mount, or in a short wooden basket. They are really nice mounted aon a teak burl (either RF or Rueben sells them).

DO NOT use fungicide on them prior to a winter rest, or you won't have any blooms. As long as they dry out quickly, you can water them alot (during summer etc..).

If the potting material stays wet (wooden basket for example) it will get black spots. If too much fungicide, the leafs will turn white. I speak from experiance.

I have 4 aggregatums, two lindeyi, and two jenkinsii. These are almost identical but got from the largest to smallest, repectively, with the jenkinsii being the hardest to grow. Likewise, the aggregatums are the easiest.

I'm beginning to realize that the clay pots might be the best fit for my dry environment- I like the way they breathe, and I'm not able to keep mounts humid enough. When it gets bigger, I do have some 4"vanda baskets I could toy with.

This guy probably wouldn't enjoy being outside this summer, would it? - on a very warm, drier patio in bright indirect light.

I've treated everyone with a systemic this spring, I'll do another round in a month or two and then that's it, generally.


Why would this particular orchid resent fungicide?
I'll definitely keep an eye out for the spotting- that's been the bane of my existence with some others.


ETA: I believe this is a lindleyi. IOSPE says that is synonymous with the 'regular' aggregatum- any truth to that?

[Izzie]

by "short wooden basket" do you mean something like a vanda basket with the first few rungs taken off?

[got ants]

Originally Posted by Izzie

by "short wooden basket" do you mean something like a vanda basket with the first few rungs taken off?

Yes! I have 2 on 4" baskets that are only 3 rungs high (that's how they were purchased). They have chunks or charcoal in them, nothing else.

I'm not sure exactly why on the fungicide, just what I've been told, AND experienced. What I was told was any short cane dendrobiums, NO fungicide, but I've learned I had to with the aggregatum varieties. Especially with my south florida weather and associated rains.

[Tropicgirl]

Izzie, it's sooooo cute! Those leaves look so much healthier than mine! Very nice pick, hats off to you!
Can't wait for them to bloom, those cascades of flowers just take my breath away.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by got ants

Yes! I have 2 on 4" baskets that are only 3 rungs high (that's how they were purchased). They have chunks or charcoal in them, nothing else.

I'm not sure exactly why on the fungicide, just what I've been told, AND experienced. What I was told was any short cane dendrobiums, NO fungicide, but I've learned I had to with the aggregatum varieties. Especially with my south florida weather and associated rains.

Does neem count as a fungicide? The systemic I use is Bayer 3-in-1 Rose and Flower.

So the baskets are hung horizontally, not vertically, yes?
This guy won't need new substrate for another year or so, by that time I don't think it will be big enough to put in a larger pot/basket.

Thanks for the tips!