Keiki question!

[peeweelovesbooks]

Pardon the alliterative nature of my question!

Are keikis common in Dendrobium moschatum?

My D. moschatum's bloom cycle this year was strange. It bloomed heavily off two canes. As it was blooming, I noticed other spikes forming on a different cane. It bloomed again!

After the second blooming, I noticed that one of the two original blooming canes had another growth. I thought it was another spike forming, but then I noticed itty bitty teeny tiny itsy bitsy roots at the base of it. A keiki!!! (be still my heart)

this was about 2 weeks ago (noticed the keiki forming), and now the thing is growing SUPER DUPER FAST!!! The roots are about 1-2 inches long at this point.

I have not fertilized this plant in over a year. Is this normal for this species?

Thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't know about this species specifically, but a lot of Dens keiki a lot! I'm learning to not be surprised by much of anything Dens do lol

I did find this

A cane can bloom several years in a row, and tends to produce keikis after the first year.

Dendrobium moschatum a Dendrobium with a pouch - AOS Orchid Forum

[lostonthebeach]

I'm learning to not be surprised by much of anything Dens do. lol from White Rabbit

Ha! Couldn't agree more.

[lostonthebeach]

Dendrobium moschatum certainly is an intresting plant.

Do you have any pictures of yours?

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks everyone!

I went outside today to water it, and I discovered 1 itty bitty micro keiki, a second keiki, and a 3rd monster keiki!

I also discovered it is growing 2 new canes! I'm excited! And and and!! The roots have wrapped themselves around the pot! It is a happy plant!

[Bud]

I am excited for you. Those plants can grow quite big and tall....this can grow outdoors in a shade in your grow zone....I love the fragrant golden flowers

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Bud

I am excited for you. Those plants can grow quite big and tall....this can grow outdoors in a shade in your grow zone....I love the fragrant golden flowers

Thanks!

It is a VERY top-heavy plant. When I bought it, it was in this flimsy little 4inch vanda basket and basically it was flopping all over the place. I hung the vanda basket on the top shelf and the canes hit the floor.

I ended up putting it in an VERY HEAVY 10 inch clay pot, which is the only thing that made it stable enough not to fall on the floor.

I actually grow it on my top shelf--in somewhat less light than cattleyas, but the thing is definitely happy there. I'm surprised because 2 of the keikis are growing from old, shrivelled canes.

[Orquiadicto]

Could you post a picture, please? I'd love to see one.