Dendrobium KINGIANUM

[lycaonpictus]

The very first orchid I ever owned (a present from an orchid-growing friend) was a kingianum! Hardy, consistent bloomer that grew HUGE over the 10 yrs I had it. Also produced lots of keikis that I was, in turn, able to use to drag other people into the hobby.

Early in my growing of it, I found some advice to put it outside early in the year and leave it outside late (they are very tolerant of cooler nights, although not below about 50F, I think). Plant seemed to love it, and I used to get just explosions of blooms from it!

I still have two, quite young. I love 'em!

[Paul Mc]

Do they bloom twice a year, or only once? I'm shocked that you would put yours out so early, lol... Perhaps I should try that as well!

[lycaonpictus]

Mine bloomed once a year, but usually produced a ton of spikes and stayed in bloom for a couple months (not individual flowers, but the whole plant). It was nice, because it was usually blooming when nothing much else was.

I could usually start putting mine out in the daytime by late-March / early-April as long as the daytime temps were above 50F. I'd bring it in at night. In late-summer, when it started getting cooler at night, I'd bring it in any night that it got below 50F, until it was gradually indoors again.

And it could tolerate an incredible amount of light! The years when it bloomed best are the ones where I came "this close" to burning it when it was outside!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by lycaonpictus

...(they are very tolerant of cooler nights, although not below about 50F, I think)...

They can go down to 36 F, to my knowledge.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by krystle

yay! they smell nice huh!

Yup!

[krystle]

mmh ok i was thinking of doing that this year funny you mention that. i heard they can handle cold better then alot of other orchids! so i think i will do that. thanks

Originally Posted by lycaonpictus

Mine bloomed once a year, but usually produced a ton of spikes and stayed in bloom for a couple months (not individual flowers, but the whole plant). It was nice, because it was usually blooming when nothing much else was.

I could usually start putting mine out in the daytime by late-March / early-April as long as the daytime temps were above 50F. I'd bring it in at night. In late-summer, when it started getting cooler at night, I'd bring it in any night that it got below 50F, until it was gradually indoors again.

And it could tolerate an incredible amount of light! The years when it bloomed best are the ones where I came "this close" to burning it when it was outside!

[krystle]

oh guys here is my plant pretty much in full bloom unless it decides to make more!

[lycaonpictus]

Very nice!

[krystle]

thanks