Sedirea japonica and Dendrobium kingianum

[Ross]

Originally Posted by razka3

shakkai - sounds more complicated than I first thought. Requires a lot of water, high humidity, high light, but likes to dry out every day.

I think it's in a 3" plastic pot now, with some kind of perlite/bark mix that seems to be brand new. Guess I'll leave it in there until done flowering, maybe I will come up with another solution by then!

I like how they are often mounted at the asian orchid shows.. on big mounts of sphag or whatever it is they are using, looks kind of neat with the roots running down the sides.

I'd suggest a slotted plastic pot (clear, if possible) with coarse bark mix as the way to grow this guy. Mounted is OK, but unless in a tank, humidity will always be an issue (well, for most folks )

[shakkai]

Raz, With mine, the drying out part is not a problem. Its gets its water in the morning before I go to work, and the roots suck up the water during the day. By evening/night, its dry. They like a lot of moisture, but they don't want to constantly be wet. I guess this is why a lot of people have them mounted, as mounts dry out really quickly, even when they are mounted with sphag. I hope that makes more sense. It isn't too difficult, just takes some getting used to, but there are loads of orchids that are the same. In general, wetness overnight (esp. in cool temps) is an invitation for rot and disease.

See this for more info:
Sedirea japonica

Kingianum seems to be quite a tolerant plant. It takes low temps, it takes high temps, its not too fussy about watering... but I haven't had mine long enough to say for sure how easy they are to rebloom. I was told that high light and low temps are the trigger, though.

[razka3]

I think I have the hang of these two now - thanks for the help! The Sedirea japonica should be blooming shortly, I can see the stripes through the bud sheathing. I'm going to plant it japanese style after it blooms. The kingianum is blooming more now, smells so wonderful, four new growths coming up as well. Here's a pic of the kingianum.

[shakkai]

Don't the kingianums smell divine? Mine is out of bloom now, but making quite a few new growths... I love these plants!

Please post photos of your Sedirea - both when it flowers and also when you repot! Can't wait to see it!

[quiltergal]

I have my Sedirea in a 3" slotted clear plastic pot in Coco husk chunks, perlite, & charcoal. It was furthest away from the south facing window and under T5s and it didn't do much all summer and fall. I recently moved it right up to the window and it immediately started growing a new leaf. That would seem to validate Calvin's belief that they can take very high light. No sign of a spike on mine yet. It might be too little still.

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by razka3

I think I have the hang of these two now - thanks for the help! The Sedirea japonica should be blooming shortly, I can see the stripes through the bud sheathing. I'm going to plant it japanese style after it blooms. The kingianum is blooming more now, smells so wonderful, four new growths coming up as well. Here's a pic of the kingianum.

I'm very interested in these culture postings since I'm hoping to acquire a Sedirea japonica soon (perhaps as the Project #6 plant?). I'm a bit concerned about providing the high humidity though. Just wondering what you mean, Raz, by Japanese style?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Shirley

I'm very interested in these culture postings since I'm hoping to acquire a Sedirea japonica soon (perhaps as the Project #6 plant?). I'm a bit concerned about providing the high humidity though. Just wondering what you mean, Raz, by Japanese style?

Shirley, mine (Sedira) is kept at 30-35% humidity and has finally bloomed after blasting two other spikes. Yes higher humidity would help, but I don't think it's mandatory for blossoming. Just be prepared to spray a few times a day and you should be fine. I plan to post pics in a seperate thread tomorrow.

[Shirley]

Thanks, Ross. That's encouraging. My humidity can drop to 40 on hot summer days but usually sits at between 50 and 60, so perhaps I'll be OK.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Shirley

Thanks, Ross. That's encouraging. My humidity can drop to 40 on hot summer days but usually sits at between 50 and 60, so perhaps I'll be OK.

I can only dream of 50-60%

[gmdiaz]

I just moved mine to a pot too, a little clear plastic slotted pot.

And moved it to a new location as well. . .where the air circulation is really good but not gale force. lol

Bright indirect light only. . .we shall see if it responds favorably or not!

I can't wait to see your Japanese potted version! Great idea for the Sedira! I've only been thinking Neo Neo Neo.