My brand new Den. spectabile!! - Orchid Board

Susie11 · #1 08-17-2012, 04:15 PM

I got my first ever Dendrobium today

It is a blooming sized spectabile. I am so happy as I have wanted one from the very first time that I saw one. She has so many canes -about 8!, the tallest one being 13 inches. I guess that it will be next year that I should hopefully see some blooms on it as the newest canes are only a few inches tall. I am going to grow her under a CFL. Wish me luck...

bellini girl · #2 08-17-2012, 04:57 PM

Healthy looking plant, be sure to post pics when it blooms. BTW..those avocados on the ledge would taste pretty good in a salad right about now

Susie11 · #3 08-17-2012, 05:29 PM

Thanks.

I thought that the avocado would be nice in my salad today but it was still not ripe when I bit into it

I shall have to wait a bit longer.

jaxorchidman · #4 08-17-2012, 06:13 PM

What kind of medium is it potted in? It appears in the picture as regular potting soil. If so, take it out immediately and plant it in a bark mixture.

Susie11 · #5 08-17-2012, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxorchidman

What kind of medium is it potted in? It appears in the picture as regular potting soil. If so, take it out immediately and plant it in a bark mixture.

It is potted in a medium bark, charcoal, perlite mix. I repotted it when it arrived. I think that it'll be fine in this but thanks for your concern.

WhiteRabbit · #6 08-18-2012, 01:06 AM

Nice! I believe these need fertilizer withheld during fall-winter (until there are spikes hopefully).

Susie11 · #7 08-18-2012, 06:36 AM

Thanks Sonia. I have been reading about culture obsessively and they need to stop being fertilised in Sept and given a shorter day to encourage spikes in spring -or so I am told. I plan to stop feeding at the end of the month and give it a 12 hour day under lights. Hopefully I shall see some nubs appear early next year...

WhiteRabbit · #8 08-19-2012, 12:12 AM

Yes I had heard to withhold fert after Sept. also (mine isn't big enough to bloom. I wonder if 12 hours light might not be 'short' enough if they want decreased daylight.?

Susie11 · #9 08-19-2012, 10:44 AM

Well I hope so. I was advised by someone who grows orchids etc that I should give them a short day about 12 hours in winter and then increase the light to 14 in summer. I shall just have to play it by ear I guess.

I have just checked this morning and there are already ten new roots forming!! I guess it likes the medium after all

I hope that means that it is happy.

WhiteRabbit · #10 08-19-2012, 02:00 PM

Sounds good!