Trying to identify this dendrobium

[Gracielu]

I recieved this orchid from my grandmother and am trying to identify exactly what it is so I can research the care for it. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Roberta]

It looks to me like it could be a Den. kingianum hybrid. Those can tolerate winter nights close to freezing, if they're on the dry side. In winter reduce watering but don't stop it completely. Summer heat is no problem, but protect from direct sun. That is about it. Fertilizer need is very modest - in fall and winter don't fertilize at all. If you need to repot, wait for new growth. If it is blooming, keep on doing what you're doing - it looks happy.

Where do you live? Knowing a bit about your growing conditions would help to refine the advice.

[Gracielu]

Thank you for your reply!I live in Southern California, so the temperature doesn't get very low during winter, maybe about 50-60 f on average. Summers are around 90-100+. I plan to grow this orchid indoors under growlights, though.

[Roberta]

If I'm correct about this being a Den. kingianum relative, rethink your plan... these do very nicely on the patio. They actually need the winter chill to bloom. Some people who HAVE to grow indoors can get Dendrobiums to bloom by keeping them very dry, but living in southern California, take advantage of what Mother Nature provides. The winter chill makes them very reliable. These aren't much harder to grow than roses, grow under similar conditions except just a bit shadier ("filtered sun" would be a good decription).

[Gracielu]

Thank you for the advice! Is there a particular substrate that they do well in? I'm planning to repot it into a smaller pot, as the one that it's in is quite big.

[Roberta]

I like small or medium bark (with or without the addition of fairly large perlite, or pumice) Your goal is something that holds some moisture, but also has lots of air spaces. These like to be a bit damp but not soggy. Again, don't repot until you see new growth (which should be happening pretty soon, these usually produce their new growth shortly after blooming) I agree, that pot looks too big, and too wet (though that might have been because you just watered it)

[Gracielu]

Thank you!

[estación seca]

Agree with all the above. You can also use pumice or LECA clay balls as potting medium for these.

It will almost certainly flower better for you if you keep it outside during the winter due to the cool nights. Don't worry about winter rain if it's in fast-draining medium in a smallish pot.

Depending on how far inland you are full sun might be too much in summer, but they do like a lot of light. Full sun in winter will help it flower better.

[SADE2020]

Dendrobium kingianum