Greetings from a newbie in Middle Tennessee!

[ejm1949]

Hello to all!

I just received my very first orchid as a gift from Hawaii !

I don't know too much about growing these babies, but want very much to learn. The one I received says it is a Den. Love Memory 'Fit'. Does anyone have any recommendations, tips or advice regarding this one?

It came in the tiniest of pots. My friend said to get 'blue rock' , so I tried looking on the internet to see what that was and couldn't find it, am hoping someone here can shed some light on that for me.

Thank you!

[kiki-do]

Hi Ejm! Welcome aboard! You'll find useful info here. However, I have a few Dendrobiums, but not sure enough about them to offer helpful tips.
I'm not familiar with Blue Rock either. (Not much help from me )!!!
However, there are lots of mention of Dendrobiums here and you can do a search up top. Meanwhile, I wanted to welcome you and say hello. Someone will help you soon, I'm sure.

[Royal]

Welcome! This is a very friendly place, and I'm sure you'll get a ton of help. I'm no expert, but I'll pitch in a little.

You don't NEED any one medium. I've never heard of 'blue rock' but it may be great. Maybe it's a brand name? Anyway, the right medium for you may be different than what works for others. I'd suggest a bark mix like Better-Gro (found at Lowe's and Sprawl Mart). I like Farfard's mix too - it's just a bark mix with coconut husk chips in there too. I've had mixed results with Shultz brand stuff.

Keep it in a pot that seems a little small for the plant. Dendrobium roots like being crowded. When you water, drench it completely. Let it get mostly dry, then drench it again. In nature they grow on trees, so the roots need to dry quickly. Bark medium will take care of this.

Have fun around here! Kiki is right, do a little digging and you'll find more info than you even knew was out there - I did.

[bonsai1504]

Den. Love Memory is a cross between Den. White Rabbit and Den. Sachi. do a search of thse parents and you will find more information about caring for it. by the way, to Orchid Board!

[bellini girl]

and to OB. I do not have much luck with dens but I believe they like to be potbound. Have a look in forums under Dendrobium alliance and you should find lots of information . I'm sure others with experience growing dens will jump in

Lecent

[Chubidubi]

to the OB EJM

[Roly0217]

EJM and to the OB !!!! A bark mix should work just fine and make sure that the pot is small enough that you think it's too small for it. Enjoy the forum and like the others said just do a little research on the forum and you'll find more info on their care.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Roly0217

EJM and to the OB !!!! A bark mix should work just fine and make sure that the pot is small enough that you think it's too small for it. Enjoy the forum and like the others said just do a little research on the forum and you'll find more info on their care.

I agree, and cram the roots! If necessary, use a fine bark mix to get stuff down in there. The bark is basically just a holder for the roots. Most of these guys are able to grow bare root, if necessary.

[ejm1949]

Thank you all! for the warm welcome and the helpful tips!

The orchid did come in its own itsy bitsy pot, and I was wondering how long it could stay in it. One of your messages said to find one that I thought was too small, and I guess that qualifies. The only thing that makes me wonder is that the plant then, is too big and it cannot stand up on its own without assistance, kinda top heavy, if you will. Is that still ok?

As for potting medium, thank you for that input!

I wish I could remember all of your id's as I thank each of you for your advice! One gal said, they are like potato chips, you can't just have one...I think she is right, already planning to offer another a home here with me...

I look forward to checking on the parents of my little one, too, ty for that info.

Well...before this turns into a book...I will close here.

Thank you all again~

E