Anybody have experience with Dendrobium cuthbertsonii?

[Paul Mc]

I just purchased this little guy and want to put it in my newly constructed terrarium. Humidity seems to average around 80 percent and the temperature seems to stay around 60 to 65F. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I understand it's a bit difficult to grow, lol...

[RJSquirrel]

oh boy you need very high light almost a solar flare for them fellas.

I hope yours are in good shape to start with. Mine weren't IMO but most seemed to think as for cuthbertsonii they looked good.



I hope yours look better, but mine do have buds now and Im holding my breath!!! oh my!~! from doomed to bloomed!!!

I think honestly in the terrarium you arent going to get enough light. Airflow also is very important bec they need to stay moist. You need more air when the plants are required to be moist all the time. So pack them lightly when you re-pot not tightly IMO. Mine also never get over 70 degrees. High humidity, High light, and Cold..try that..it will drive you nuts

I hope soon I can show you my blooms and we can race again!!! for

[Paul Mc]

How much light are we talking about here? Do you have a footcandle measurement? From what I found, it appears that they want between 1500 and 3000 fc's but growers seem to say that they actually need more light when grown in cultivation.

BTW, your's looks amazing! I can't wait to see it bloom! I'll have to post pics of mine when it arrives. It's not scheduled to leave Andy's Orchids until the 20th though.

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

How much light are we talking about here? Do you have a footcandle measurement? From what I found, it appears that they want between 1500 and 3000 fc's but growers seem to say that they actually need more light when grown in cultivation.

BTW, your's looks amazing! I can't wait to see it bloom! I'll have to post pics of mine when it arrives. It's not scheduled to leave Andy's Orchids until the 20th though.

I got mine to bloom doing the following:

Potted in a 4 inch basket with sphag moss never allowed to dry completely.
Positioned in a sunny window with 3500-4000 candles brightness.
Hung over the aircondition vent during the summer.
Hung away from the vent over the winter (heat) but near the window so that cold would transfer/radiate.
Probably between 50-60 degrees but no warmer than 75F.
These were the readings from the light meter and temp monitor in the area.
It is a great feeling to bloom this one! The flowers last 6 months

I got mine to almost die doing the following:

letting it dry out completely multiple times (overwhelmed with too many plants in a small location and forgot to water it )
I am not sure it will recover but I haven't given up hope

[fishmommy]

Mine are budding at 2000fc HPS

[RJSquirrel]

right up into the cattleya type light zone indeed
2500 to 3500 fc