Dendrobium unicum

[Bud]

Native to Thailand, Burma, and Laos, this is a wonderful miniature that can grow to specimen size with hundreds of flowers in bright orange. The lip is a light orange/yellow with red veins. The fragrance is exactly like freshly sharpened crayons.
The plant is kept at the eastside facing windowsill. I grow it in brighter light in the winter months, and keep shadier once new growth develops.
Intermediate. 60-63 degrees Fahrenheit at night during Fall and Winter. Although I know this is an equatorial plant but in the monsoon rains it can get cooler in those areas of origin. This plant loves summer temperature ranges, as long as it is shady.
Humidity at least 50% or higher in my room with a portable humidifier; but humidity trays can also be useful.
I water as the mix approaches dryness but I do not allow the mix to become completely dry between watering. Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium.
The flowering season is usually in the early spring months from February to April. Brighter light during this period will help to encourage more flowers. When the flower buds emerge, the leaves on the canes typically begin to fall off. This is a first bloom from this 2 year old seedling.

[ezil]

I've given up on this species. It simply will not adjust to my conditions. It is one of my favorites, so I love to see pictures of well grown plants.

[nenella]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : yikes:
Thanks for posting Bud! I have a hybrid of this and some blooms started opening up at midday today. (I always told myself that If, I managed to grow this I would have a bash at the unicum) You have just made me decide that I need to find myself one of these NOW & as a TC to the project plant would be the best ever excuse! Thanks for posting !!

PS: ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO BUY ONE IN EUROPE PLEASE?

[Bud]

Thanks nenella! you are very kind.

@ ezil...all you need is an east facing windowsill and a humidity tray...your room temperature will do just fine...and weekly watering

[fishmommy]

great pics of a great plant!
I keep thinking I should pick one of these up, and you may have tipped me right over the edge.

[Discus]

These are great plants, I will strongly encourage the acquisition of them as TCs Mine is mounted on a thin branch; I think I need to be a bit more cruel in the winter in with-holding water.

[Bud]

Thank You, Mommy ! Peter Lin of SVO might be able to help you acquire this plant.

Thank You, Discus ! You need not be cruel...it is an equatorial plant and I just on my own decided to give it cool temps in winter...but I dont think they have winter in Thailand.

[Discus]

Bud - not to detract from your personal growing experiences, but my dendrobium book specifically mentions letting this guy dry out "gradually through winter and early spring" with bright, filtered light and good air movement. The area they come from has seasonal rains apparently. Like so many dendrobiums, "cruelty" with winter dryness seems to spur a good "crop" of flowers.

[Bud]

You must be right...winter in the USA is Dec 22 to March 22...in Thailand it is dry very hot summer...hence the dry bright treatment...the monsoon rains in Thailand starts May to October. This is when I water and fertilizer it regularly.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by ezil

I've given up on this species. It simply will not adjust to my conditions. It is one of my favorites, so I love to see pictures of well grown plants.

This is one of the easiest Dendrobium species to grow.

If you didn't know, they go through a winter dormancy. The leaves all naturally fall off during late summer/early fall.

This is a very temperature tolerant species.

Lighting should be moderately bright indirect