Dendrobium anosmum

[Ross]

Since I switched to Ray's regime of fertilization I've seen great improvement in growth and vigor with all my orchids, but nothing like this one. My Dendrobium anosmum (I now have two plants - one with two growths each year and one with three) have responded remarkably There are still 2-3 months growth to go and this year's has topped last years. It would appear in the photo that one old cane is same length. It's not. Both new canes are 3-4" longer than last years' canes. The siding (horizontal) pattern is 4" apart. This will help judge size of plant. This is not the normal placing of this plant. I just moved it here to get a place in the shade for the photo. Normally it sits with it's partner in a south-facing window with a window screen and it gets full sun when sun is out and supplementary lighting from 55 watt CF bulbs every day for 12-14 hours - sun or not. They get soaked in MSU mix at 125ppm Nitrogen every day. These guys like nitrogen! Previously I did the weakly thing, but check the results. Ray's regime works and is solid (in my book).

Oh, and look at the root growth! I have 12" roots on the other guy.

[shakkai]

That's just amazing, Ross. I am currently doing the weekly, weakly regime. I have liquid orchid fertilizer from Kew that I use. The formula is N: 2.6%, P2O5 (Phos. pentoxide): 2.41%, K2O (Potassium oxide): 2.6%, plus trace elements: Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Zinc.

Would the high nitrogen program be suitable for genera other than Dens? Do you switch to higher phosphate for bloom?

Tell me, or point me, to all of the details!!

[Ross]

This is NOT my secret. This is Ray's info that contributed to this. Check out Plant Nutrition and I would look for the equivilant UK product. If you can't find one, let me know and I will let you know the exact measurements. I presume you can get, or create, RO water or the equivilant? It's a big help in equalizing the "playing field" so-to-speak.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by shakkai

Would the high nitrogen program be suitable for genera other than Dens?

I don't use "High nitrogen" per-se. I use a mix calculated at 125ppm Nitrogen because that is what Ray says. I use it every single watering. This means if the plant is on the daily cycle it gets 125ppm daily. If it is on the 2-3 times per week, then it gets it then. I flush the pot or mount by total submersion. I only know one thing - it works. And marvelously.

[quiltergal]

I'm using 100ppm because I'm too chicken to try 125. Even at 100ppm I'm seeing some pretty remarkable growth. Roots going everywhere and 4 new leads on one of my catts.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

I'm using 100ppm because I'm too chicken to try 125. Even at 100ppm I'm seeing some pretty remarkable growth. Roots going everywhere and 4 new leads on one of my catts.

Trust me (and Ray) - push it to 125ppm. It's OK. Actually he says up to 150ppm.

[quiltergal]

LOL Ross, I'm easing into the 125ppm. You have to remember that my plants have gone from not being fed at all to 100ppm every week. I don't want to shock them too badly! Seriously though I'll try and work up the courage to bump it up to 125ppm. Who knows I may get one of my old timers to actually bloom!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

LOL Ross, I'm easing into the 125ppm. You have to remember that my plants have gone from not being fed at all to 100ppm every week. I don't want to shock them too badly! Seriously though I'll try and work up the courage to bump it up to 125ppm. Who knows I may get one of my old timers to actually bloom!

I'm sure you will! Now don't quote me here

[cb977]

Ross, your baby looks great!
I love the fragrance of this one

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cb977

Ross, your baby looks great!
I love the fragrance of this one

Susanne, interesting thing is, the two specimens have a different scent. One is very fragrant like sweetness of some sort (can't really pin it down). Other has an almost chemical scent - not unpleasant, but not same as the other plant.