Potting medium for dendrobium aggregatum var. majus

[EDDIE]

hey folks,

I bought this today at Lowes. I know that mounting this den. is highly recommended. However, I feel that is not an option for me, as I wouldn't be able to keep up with the watering requirements doing it this way. So I'm wondoring what can I repot this thing in. I will post some pics with this as well. I have very small charcoal, tree fern fiber, seedling orchid mix, and some bark from Lowes...any suggestions on this one? Thanks in advance...

Eddie

[gnathaniel]

Nice plant, Eddie! I love this species. I've got a bunch of mine mounted on 'rafts' (horizontal rather than vertical) and they're actually pretty easy to keep well-watered that way since rafts dry off slower than vert mounts. The in-situ pictures I've seen indicate they tend to grow on top of big, horizontal rough-barked branches like oak, so rafts are pretty close to natural habitat.

That said, they also do fine potted or in baskets. I have some in moss and styro peanuts, which works well and is easy for both summer and winter conditions. With the supplies you have, I'd suggest either 1:1 treefern and charcoal (both break down very slow to minimize repotting, which this species doesn't love), or 1:1:1 TF, charcoal, and seedling mix. Hope this helps!

BTW, where in SWVA are you? I grew up in Blacksburg and still visit my parents in the area a lot. Sorry if I've asked you this before and forgot...

--Nat

[Bud]

You need not repot right now...maybe in a couple of years or if the new growths are already trying to escape from the pot...
Nat is right, these plants are doing best mounted...I also have my plant mounted but its on a treefern slab...I dont think it will flower for me this season ...I watered it too soon and did not let it winter rest enough...

[EDDIE]

Nat,

Thanks for the information. I like this little orchid as well, especially how the spike hangs down with all those blooms. I hope it does well for me. Do you think I should proceed with repotting in a day or so? I live in the most southwest corner of VA; sandwiched in between KY and TN. I believe you live in Asheville, is that correct? If so, I am about an hour and ten minutes away from Johnson City, TN which I believe is about an hour away from Asheville. Again, thank you for the information...

Eddie

[EDDIE]

Bud, thanks for your response...whenever I buy an orchid from Lowe's I always have the urge to repot...lol. Thanks...

Eddie

[EDDIE]

Okay guys, I have had this den for 3 weeks now (I bought it at Lowes), and so far it isn't doing anything, no new leads, no spike...nothing! Wondoring if I should remove it out of pot and take a look at the roots. The leaves all look healthy and green...any suggestions? oh, it gets bright indirect light in a south window and I water it about every 3 or 4 days...

Thanks,
Eddie

[vjo]

I have had mine for over a year,in alllll that time it has not changed at all, not one new leaf,no spike, nothing! I guess it is just taking its time. It still looks good,no shrivled leaves, roots are good, I'm just waiting.

[gnathaniel]

Eddie, I wouldn't sweat it too much, all of mine are just now waking up and they've been getting water, fert, and lots of light for almost 8 weeks at this point. I find this species pretty slow-growing in general, though that may reflect my sub-optimal culture more than the plant's physiology... At least you're starting with a nice, mature one; I've been patiently growing a bunch of seedlings for almost 4 years with nary a bloom!

--Nat

[gnathaniel]

PS looking at the roots right now wouldn't be a terrible idea if you can do it without disturbing them much, which this species doesn't do well with. If you haven't repotted yet now is the best time to do it, again with as little root disturbance as possible, as once the new growths start that's when you'll also get new roots. Good luck!

--Nat