What about a spring 2025 project?

[Blueszz]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

I have both a Neo and a species Den from recent trades. The Neo has no tag, but I believe it to be falcata. The Den is cruentum. Neither has bloomed yet so I am up for calling them project plants, if that's ok with the group.

Thinking out loud.

Why not IMHO.
When I mentioned Den. densiflorum I had the same in mind. When I bought it, it was 3 years from flowering. Currently it's 1 year from flowering. I think it still could qualify as project plant as I have no idea how to get it to grow a spike. Learning curve here.

Den. cruentum is a beautiful one! I did a quick Google search and I believe it isn't available here. I read it's an intermediate to warm grower.
Warmth is hard to provide here during winter months.

Neofinetia already was a project plant in 2008, 17 years ago. I wouldn't have a problem with a new Neofinetia project. I have 2 of them for 2 years already and both failed to bloom for me.

What do others think?

I lean more towards a dendrobium project than a Neofinetia (Vanda) project. However, Vanda falcata and many of their hybrids stay small.

What do you all consider to be a smallish plant?

For me it would be anything that thrives in a 12 cm pot max (as an adult plant).

I probably would choose a dendrobium nobile var. cooksonianum. I saw this plant a few days ago, I like the looks and the scent is a big plus. Still available here, limited quantitates though.

[Bagus]

I have been looking at trying one of the more pendulous growing den species. but a mini would be wonderful as well.

I would love to be a part of a growing project for the first time!

(I just have to hope I can find something that fits the criteria that doesn't hurt my budget too much!)

[WaterWitchin]

That’s what I like about this kind of project. If we do Den species you can choose big or small or in between. Even different temps depending on the species. Or try all three.

[Hazeldazel]

I'm down for Dendrobium species, I have a few that I need to work on being a better orchid mom for.

[Blueszz]

Let's do a Den project then?

What Den. would you like to grow?

If so, I hope to be able to find that Den. nobile var. cooksonianum in week 18-19. If not I will participate with a Den. densiflorum which I have 2 years already but was 3 years from flowering. I think I have one year to go until it's able to flower.

I'm bound to week 18 or 19 for ordering more plants. I have a dog with 2 fractures in a leg (fixed with metal plates and screws) and she needs absolute crate rest for 6 weeks. Except for relieving herself.
Doorbell is switched off because of that. She'll won't stay calm if the doorbel rings of someone knocks the door.

And picking the plant up at a pick up point almost impossible, too far from home if I order from my favorite seller.

[aparnamane]

If it is Dendrobium densiflorum, definitely I would like to participate as well, coincidentally I am getting "Dendrobium densiflorum var luteo alba" bare root this week from Ecuagenera preorder, pick up from their spring open house this week.

[Bagus]

Perhaps we could do section densiflorum? I can't find that specific species for less than $70, but other closely related species like Den. thyrsiflorum and so on can be found for under $20

this would also allow more people to find a better fitting plant for their grow area

[WaterWitchin]

It’s not my project, but there’s usually more participation if the project plant isn’t too specific unless it’s readily available in more countries, plus doesn’t break the bank. I would ould caution on narrowing it down too far for Dens.

Blueszz, if you want to start a project, go for it. You appear to really enjoy it. Get your input, do the homework and get it started. If you have questions, you can always give me or Roberta a holler.