Back at Trader Joes

[SteveM]

Well I had to go back to trader Joes to see what if they had anything different from the zygo and oncidium hybrids that I got last time. Well they had about 4 different Bellara's, along with these 2 guys that was stashed in the middle of the pack. Militonia and Dendrobium, I think the Den its of the phalaenopsis section. One just said Militonia and the other had no ID at all (Den). My guess is both probably are hybrid, but anyone that has any ideas on possible lineage, any help would be great. I think I have found a match for the Militonia. Anyways I was so excited about what I have found at Trader Joes so far. The ones I repotted had such great roots besides the fact that the potting medium wasnt in the best condition had a lot of peat. Other than possible minor salt burns, both seem to be very healthy and haven't responded negatively to repotting yet.

[Roberta]

Great finds. The Miltonia (actually Miltoniopsis), the "pansy orchid" is a lovely hybrid, there are quite a few that look similar and the care is the same for all. Most critical, don't ever let it dry out. They like to be damp. House temperatures should be fine. They like temperatures not below 50 deg F, but below 80 deg F. Once it's done blooming, repot. Remember that fresh medium dries out faster than the old stuff, so you'll need to water more frequently.

The Dendrobium looks like it is a nobile-type hybrid. Likely, it grew in the Hawaiian islands or similar mild climate, to be blooming now. These have a reputation for needing a cool, dry rest in winter - but it is in active growth, keep watering it. Next fall you can reduce water and eliminate fertilizer, leave it outside until night temperatures get into the 40's F. I learned the hard way that "dry" in winter means reduced water not "no water" - in nature, there is not a lot of rain in winter, but there is plenty of morning dew. But this one has been grown in spring-like temperatures, so care for it accordingly. It'll be fine in the house, you can put it outside once the weather warms up. I think I'd wait to repot until you see new growth.

[SteveM]

Thanks Roberta, So its going to go dormant in winter and loose leaves? Yes I do not plan on re potting it until new growth pops up, My spatula type has started doing that so I guess these will start growing soon. I have my spatula hybrid in lava rock which I am trying to decide to put this one in as well. Odly enough I really don't have to water any more often in lava rocks than bark. I think the more open structure of lava rock keeps more humidity at the roots. Hopefully I will find a cool spot for the Miltoniopsis.

[Roberta]

I don't think the Den will go dormant this year. When grown warm, these can keep their leaves. And to get flowers, the grower likely messed with its seasons a bit. I find that my nobile types (which I don't dry out, but they do get cool) don't necessarily lose leaves. The species Den. nobile has that inclination, but the hybrids have other species in the mix. It IS different than the spatulata types (or Den-phal types also) that are tropical and don't have a seasonal rest period (and should be watered and fertilized the same all year). The nobile types can grow much cooler, and benefit from that. In the fall. you can reduce the frequency of watering, and stop the fertilizing. Bring it in when night temps go below 45-50 deg F. If you have a cooler area of the house (like near a window) that would a good area for the winter.

[SteveM]

Thanks for the info Roberta. They do seem a lot different than the antelope ones. Go figure, I get use to one type after killing one or 2, get them to a place that they are happy, and then I go and get something different, and have to figure it out all over. I guess its part of the fun.

[Roberta]

Totally part of the fun. Dendrobium is a huge genus, species from different areas have very different needs. So keep on sharing, and you'll learn as you go.

[estación seca]

The Den. nobile types are brought into bloom any time of the year by manipulating temperatures. 6 weeks of nights at or below 55 F / 13C triggers flowering. It will probably start growing vegetative shoots soon and flower at the normal time in spring 2025.

[PuiPuiMolcar]

A lot of people from my facebook plant group in Orange County are screaming about seeing them at TJ!

[dbarron]

Makes me curious what percentage will serve as cut flowers and be thrown away.
I've watched my own aunt totally fail to grasp watering and light for phalaenopsis, never getting a rebloom. I would imagine that's common for most in-bloom mass produced orchid plants.

[Roberta]

Alas, most won't last long. The Dens might have a better chance of survival, they are tougher than Phals. Most mass-produced Phals meet a sorry end. Bred to bloom (just once) a year or two out of flask, the few lucky ones end up in the hands of people who actually want to care for them - and come here.