Project 2025 Spring Dendrobium species

[WaterWitchin]

Blueszz has been seeking to do a member project for 2025 with emphasis Dendrobium. There has been some interest, but not an overwhelming amount. We discussed, and it appears narrowing it down to a section/species, many won't join the project. "And what is a project without members?" says Blueszz. "Fun should be the number one goal." I told her to go for it, and I would assist in getting a thread started.

Dendrobium is a huge genus, with well over 1800 species. It's large enough to have been divided into six main sections: Phalaenanthe, Spatulata, Dendrobium, Callista, Latouria, and Formosae. Here's an older article from St. Augustine Orchid Society INTRODUCTION TO DENDROBIUMS Sections and Culture By: Joshua Jones.

It's a good overview, summarizes the sections well, along with a bit about culture. If you're a fairly new grower, or just not familiar with the genus, it might make it easier for participants to make a choice. Make your own choice, according to your environment, culture, and ability to obtain. Regardless of section chosen, we can help each other, enjoy each other's progress made, and as Blueszz says, with the #1 goal being fun.

Introductions made, now take it away Blueszz!

[Bagus]

Decided I was going to try a deciduous one. I have a Den. unicum on the way, from the info that I have found It should do well in my climate!

Would anyone have any species-specific tips for unicum? I know general care, but is there any unique considerations for this one?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Bagus

Decided I was going to try a deciduous one. I have a Den. unicum on the way, from the info that I have found It should do well in my climate!

Would anyone have any species-specific tips for unicum? I know general care, but is there any unique considerations for this one?

Your biggest challenge may be winter cooling. (I assume you'll be growing it outside) Reduced winter rainfall in your climate is normal. I grow mine outside, let it get watered along with everything else (but being mounted it dries out fast, humidity is naturally fairly low). The big difference between my climate and yours is that I get cool winter nights, and moderately cool days. How much cooling does it need? No clue... at my house it gets what it gets, and seems happy about that, but no idea what is "tolerated" as opposed to "required".

[Dalachin]

I am getting a Dendrobium victoriae-reginae. I want it because I love the color!

[Bagus]

I got around a week of under 40f last winter, with around a month and half of under 55f. Other deciduous dens and others such as my calanthe and catasetum seemed to do just fine with our shorter winter

I've seen vendors selling it occasionally as well, which hopefully would mean that it does well enough?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Bagus

I got around a week of under 40f last winter, with around a month and half of under 55f. Other deciduous dens and others such as my calanthe and catasetum seemed to do just fine with our shorter winter

I've seen vendors selling it occasionally as well, which hopefully would mean that it does well enough?

Sounds good! A beautiful species.

[Canadienne]

I would like to participate, have a den.peguanum coming soon. I want to try growing it in one of my Orchidariums, it’s a small orchid.
However, Blueszz, can you maybe explain a bit what we are supposed to do? Are there rules? Do we report what’s happening with the plant on a regular basis?

[Hazeldazel]

I just got a Dendrobium ceraula (syn. gonzalesii) so I'm gonna go with that. Very closely related to Den. victoria-reginae which I also have, so I'll treat it like that one. They're both in Dendrobium section Calcarifera, and both like intermediate temps and light but not getting too dry in between waterings.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Canadienne

I would like to participate, have a den.peguanum coming soon. I want to try growing it in one of my Orchidariums, it’s a small orchid.
However, Blueszz, can you maybe explain a bit what we are supposed to do? Are there rules? Do we report what’s happening with the plant on a regular basis?

This one is soooo cute, with the curly petal tips. Just share your progress, this is a great opportunity to learn from each other. I think this would be a very good one for an intermediate orchidarium. (Doesn't need to be hot, but doesn't like cold... I grow it in the greenhouse to protect from chilly winter nights even in my benign climate)

[Blueszz]

I haven't been online for a few days. I loved to see this thread is already going.

Currently I'm not in the opportunity to order a new Den. For now I join with Den. densiflorum which I bought a few years ago as a young plant. It should be close to flowering size.
Ik might be able to order a plant within a few weeks, I'll let you know what the choice will be then.

Originally Posted by Canadienne

I would like to participate, have a den.peguanum coming soon. I want to try growing it in one of my Orchidariums, it’s a small orchid.
However, Blueszz, can you maybe explain a bit what we are supposed to do? Are there rules? Do we report what’s happening with the plant on a regular basis?

Maybe this thread is helpful: Member Projects - What Are They?


Main goal is having fun. It would be nice if people update how their plant is doing every now and then, which doesn't have to be on an set interval.

What I did in the past, is give an update when something happens. The nice and not so nice developments.

For instance; Is your plant growing a beautiful set of roots, in bud, not flowering or it fell from the orchid bench/windowsill upside down... Everything is allowed to share here.
Along with asking questions about the cultural requirements. You might have tip or tricks for other growers etc.