Dendrobium Spectible potting medium, need advice.

[Tankgoesboom]

What would a good potting medium be for a Dendrobium Spectible? Is it the same as other dendrobium orchids that work well with a bark-like mixture? Or would it be better with sphagnum moss? Thanks!

[Bud]

I usually go to orchid supply stores online and look for the correct media.
Theres also some stores where you can pick the media mix you want.
But if you already have some in your home, then you can improvise and add mixtures to what you feel is right after reading and researching about it.
The correct name is:
Dendrobium spectabile

the capitalization on Dendrobium and the small letter on spectabile is important.
your plant is a specie

I have one that I got bloomed already so since it is a specie it only blooms once a year or maybe if I am lucky it will blooms twice this year...

I have it in a dendrobium mix that I purchased online.

[kavanaru]

considering that D. spectabile is a species that requires heat and hight light conditions, at the same time as high humidity and lots of water, I would not use a standard Mix, but add some water retentive media to the medium, e.g. sphagnum or perlite!

However, as always, that would depend on your growing conditions and watering schedule... for example, a friend of mine is currently developing a new medium, based on granulated rock wool... this medium is very water retentive! we are trying it since two years, when he gave me 3 Dendrobiums (one of them D. spectabile) and 2 Paphies potted in it. After this time, my friend (growing indoors and with a ver strict watering schedule!) has achieved great success with the Cattleya alliance, as well as Paphies and Phragmies, but his Dendrobium just don't grow for him and die very quick in this new medium. on the opposite side, I grow in a greenhouse, and the two Paphies died pretty quick (I normally have good succes with Paphies in my standard culture substrates), but the 3 Dendros are growing fantastic for me.

[WhiteRabbit]

I have my Den spectabile (seedling) in a combination of pumice and perlite, and it's been doing well that way - I have my other Latouria section Dens potted similarly and they have done well. It's my understanding this type really resents having it's roots messed with, and inorganic media allows me to not have to provide fresh media, so I don't have to mess with the roots.