Info on Dendrobium- Kingianium?

[greenpassion]

Well, I'm trying something different from phals and oncs, and have purchased a Den. Kingainium. It came to me as a healthy bare root plug, which I put into S/H, and have with my (all blooming at once!!) phals. It seems to be growing something out of the side of one of the 'canes'(?) that looks like a tenticle of some sort, but I'm thinking it might be a new cane? I have no idea how these things grow, how long they stay in bloom, and well, what to look for. Sorry for so many questions, but I well know that this is place to go for answers!!

[cbuchman]

Den. kingianum is a species. It likes to be pot bound; needs lots of light; and are pretty temperature tolerant (i.e cool to warm growing) It is indigenous to Australia where is is often referred to as a "dandelion" (i.e., grows like ....)


As with any orchid, introduce it to high light levels slowly to avoid burning the leaves.

I don't know about S/H for these as I have mine in large bark that is quick draining in a clay pot. I also reduce (not eliminate) watering when it comes inside in the early fall. I resume regular watering when new growth starts up again.

Mine blooms in Jan/Feb and stays in bloom for a a month or more. Spiking is triggered by a nighttime drop in temps. The spikes appear form the top (and sometimes from other notches) of new and old canes. So when it is established, it is a prolific bloomer.

Post pics if you want a better idea of what the tentacle is, though I suspect it is a new growth.

Good Luck! Hope this helps.