Light Levels (ppfd) for Dendrobium cuthbertsonii

[Roberta]

Another factor to consider when trying to find the conditions equivalent to nature when growing in a controlled environment... In nature (Papua New Gunea), Den cuthbertsonii may grow in fairly exposed areas (trees aren't in deep shade... been there). BUT there is a lot of cloud cover, which reduces light intensity. Factor in also that light isn't constant during the day (much lower in the morning and the late afternoon) So just be gentle, increase light gradually and trust your observations over whatever the literature may say.

[aerides]

Another thought. Cuthbertsonii is a non-deciduous species. If, in addition to the red-tinged leaves you notice premature senescence (yellowing) of lower leaves, this also would be a hint to pull-back on light.
Strangely, cuthbertsonii leaves remind me of Paphiopedilum micranthum. Micranthum has shown marked ability to tolerate a wide range of light. But light and water are shown to be out of balance by lower leaf senescence.
Ive also just read a description of cuthbertsonii by Pridgeon, who suggests that cuthbertsonii would fit well into masdevallia conditions.

[Roberta]

The catch with D, cutherbertsonii is, I think, its hate of heat. Cold, no problem. (I have multiple years of hard experience, when I thought that I was getting away with the "impossible"... Death was slow but summer warmth did them in eventually. I don't have a controlled environment, have finally stopped trying this wonderful species) Some Masdevallias are like that too, but others are more forgiving. Den cuthbertsonii does not forgive, alas.

[aerides]

Originally Posted by Roberta

The catch with D, cutherbertsonii is, I think, its hate of heat. Cold, no problem. (I have multiple years of hard experience, when I thought that I was getting away with the "impossible"... Death was slow but summer warmth did them in eventually. I don't have a controlled environment, have finally stopped trying this wonderful species) Some Masdevallias are like that too, but others are more forgiving. Den cuthbertsonii does not forgive, alas.

Not to hijack this post, but there doesn't seem to be much else to hijack... I've had this experience with Miltoniopsis. Judged "impossible" to grow inside a house, I've been very smug about ability to keep them going. Not in the long term: a missed watering here and there is all it takes. (Insert stuck-out lip).

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by aerides

Not to hijack this post, but there doesn't seem to be much else to hijack... I've had this experience with Miltoniopsis. Judged "impossible" to grow inside a house, I've been very smug about ability to keep them going. Not in the long term: a missed watering here and there is all it takes. (Insert stuck-out lip).

Hijack in species but not in spirit... people in warm climates consider Miltionopsis to be cool growers. But not too cool... more like "narrow picky temperature range" of 55 deg F (13 deg C) to 75 deg F (24 deg F) . The only Miltoniopsis that I have managed to grow (outdoors, coastal southern California) is Mtps. vexillarius. Hybrids don't make it through the summer. Den cuthbertsonii (back to topic) can go a good bit cooler, but the top of the range is similar.

[Waterdog111]

I love both the dendrobiums, and Miltoniopsis ( for their blooms and fragrance. I have two of these on my dining tables that I hope to keep alive and well.
Maybe I’ll try that dendrobium
It is done

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Waterdog111

I love both the dendrobiums, and Miltoniopsis ( for their blooms and fragrance. I have two of these on my dining tables that I hope to keep alive and well.
Maybe I’ll try that dendrobium
It is done

Dendrobium is a huge genus. Select species that grow well under your conditions.(There are many!) Den. cuthbertsonii isn't one of them... it's a high-elevation cloud forest species that needs high humidity, pure water, high temperatures never more than 75 deg F and really prefers not much over 70 deg F with nights in the 55-60 deg F range, and can tolerate near frost. People can grow them without special set-ups (Adapted wine coolers are popular) in San Francisco, California (near the coast, where summers are very cool) but not in many other places.

If you like the "look" of Den. cuthbertsonii and don't have those conditions. consider some of the hybrids that have been made warmer growing species such as Den. glomeratum, laevifolium, etc. They look like Den. cuthbertsonii on steriouds, are far more forgiving.

[Waterdog111]

Sorry I already ordered it but for this one I intend to leave it inside most of the year. It is usually very humid here,as it rains a lot. I have been watering most all my orchids with collected rain water.when it comes in Ill post pics.
Keep well wishs for me on this one
Thanks to you too Oliver

[Roberta]

Good luck... it will be a learning experience, for sure.

[Waterdog111]

I keep my house temps under low 70’s
It will be right next to my two miltons