Den. moniliforme - Orchid Board

stonedragonfarms · #1 02-23-2008, 02:21 PM

I have never seen buds pop out this fast--those in the first pic literally burst forth overnight. Those in the second have been developing since mid December...and will bloom in a month or so (if they hold to thier usual schedule...)
Adam

Becca · #2 02-23-2008, 04:35 PM

Hi Adam! Can you tell me a little about the growing conditions you provide for this one? I have one as well, but it is no where near the size of yours....it maybe has 4 canes and has a new one that is just as tall as the old growth. How tall is yours? Mine is really small, like maybe a few inches tall. I purchased it off of ebay from Clackamus Orchids in Oregon and was listed as a blooming sized division in a 3 inch pot. I hope mine will bloom soon. I have found it likes to be towards the top of my orchidarium and I am growing it in intermediate conditions. What do you have yours planted in for medium? Thanks!

stonedragonfarms · #3 02-23-2008, 08:50 PM

Hello Becca

Den. moniliforme is a very very varied species (a little alliteration there...) I have some cultivars that are less than 2" tall, and others that are 12" or so, and quite a few in between. Mine are all potted in long fibre new zealand sphagnum moss, most in plastic pots. With the exception of a couple that I have which are heavily variegated, they are all grown in full sun year round. When they are in active growth (Mid April-Mid October here), I water them 4-5 times weekly, and fertilize every time I water. They are in a greenhouse, and it is not unusual for them to see temps in the 90's during the day from the end of June to early September. Starting in mid October, I cut back on watering, and when I do water, will use only clear fresh water--no fertilizer. They will usually begin to lose their leaves around Halloween. When they are leafless, I stop watering them. Some will be showing spikes at this time, others will not. They grow with my cymbidiums all winter, so night temps are down near 48F. I give them an occasional hit of water from the can when I water the cymbids, but no "deep" watering. Right after Valentine's day, I resume watering, though only once a week. They will start to bloom in the next 3 or so weeks if the days stay sunny...and will continue to do so until mid June or so. After they finish flowering, I repot them into fresh moss. Hope this is of some help. Let me know if you have any other questions & good luck!
Adam