De. palpebrae hints and tips?

[catherinecarney]

Hi all--

I came home with a Den. palpebrae as part of my haul from MVOS this weekend....It's my understanding this species has a definite warm growing season/cool and dry rest which I can supply.

However, details on the growing conditions have been extremely limited in my information search. Anyone out there got hints and tips (ie the nuts and bolts, "how I grow it" sort of info)? How warm, how wet, how cool, how dry? Light variation from growth to rest?

Thanks in advance!

Catherine

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't grow this, so just some info I looked up until (hopefully) members who grow this can chime in ...

From Dendrobium and it's Relatives:

Intermediate conditions are best for this species, which should be given a dry resting period in winter with the plants being allowed to dry out for several days between waterings. A pot with well drained medium is best ... Bright, filtered sunlight is best.

However, IOSPE PHOTOS says warm to hot growing

... and then from Orchids wikia

Plant grows in warm to hot temperatures with medium amounts of light. Keep plant moist and fertilize during growth season. During winter withold watering until new shoots appear. Grow in a well drain mix of sphagnum moss or medium fir bark.

Dendrobium palpebrae - Orchids Wiki

I don't know how much help that all is ... I hope some members who grow this can elaborate.

[catherinecarney]

Thanks Sonya! Every little bit helps!

I wonder if some of the variation in culture is due to the range for the species--I'll have to look up and see how wide ranging it is.

It does sound like it's one of those "warmer/wetter growth, cooler/dryer rest" type dens--but not to the extent of the deciduous species....

Catherine

[rcb]

I grow one of these. It is not a difficult one. I do give it a winter rest.

It has similar cultural requirements as D. farmeri, which is more common, and you should be able to find a lot of cultural advice.

[catherinecarney]

Thanks Renee--that helps! Farmeri is another one on my wish list.....

It was dry to the point of shriveled pseudobulbs and limp leaves when I purchased it, but the bulbs and leaves have returned to normal with watering. Also, it's initiating new root growth.

Mine is potted--any thoughts on whether potted or mounted might suit it better?

Catherine

[rcb]

Catherine - my farmeri is mounted, my palpebrae is potted. Not sure it makes a difference, as long as the roots can dry out quickly enough. My potted is in LECA only though, so it dries quickly.

I prefer the look of these kind mounted, as the spikes go down, but that is just a preference.

Both are in early spike right now.

I do let mine shrivel somewhat in winter, but I let them get cold as well, and we always have dew, so they get a little bit of water in winter. We moved much farther south last year, and I now have warmer winters than before, so I wasn't sure how it would work out. But since they are spiking, as well as my other species from this section, all seems to be ok. Due to the warmer winter, they did get a plain water spray every so often.

I don't remember ever seeing new growth before spiking, so check to see if yours is. Doesn't mean it can't though. Spikes come out right underneath the leaves.

[sskmaestro]

This is a old thread. I recently got one palpabre.... it’s coming into bloom right now.

How is your plant doing? Should be a huge one of its still there....