Any pointers for Dendrobium smilliae

[tarev]

I just bought a Dendrobium smilliae during a recent orchid show. It is presently in bloom and I really want this one to thrive well. Would appreciate any pointers as to watering, light etc. I do not have a greenhouse, so presently my orchids are by our dining area near a west facing window.

Thanks in advance!

[Bud]

Here is the section re cultivation from Native Orchids of Australia by David L Jones.
"Cultivation: D. smilliae is easy to grow only in tropical regions. Plants demand hot, humid conditions and bright light. In cooler regions they require a heated glasshouse with a minimum temperature of 15C. Plants should be kept completely dry over winter and watered heavily during the summer."

*this orchid is endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea

[Baz in Oz]

Tarev, I had one years ago and managed to kill it so I'm probably not the one to offer advice but -
They grow naturally in dry tropics of coastal North Queensland (and probably other areas as well). In the dry tropics they have a dry mild winter and a hot wet summer.
Good luck,

Baz

[tarev]

I guess it is the reverse here somehow, we have mild wet winters but very dry hot summers. But this year our winter is really mild not too rainy at all, felt more like spring. So I guess I just have to grow this one indoors near my indoor fountain to help in providing humidity.

Bud, it said on the portion of the note of your reply to keep this dry during winter, is it the same if in bloom like it is right now? Or just water when media has dried out?