Seeking guidance
 

I recently acquired several Dendrobium species and have been researching as much as I can about them. I have been somewhat successful with finding information on several of the species however I am left with a good handful that I don't have a comfortable amount of information about.

With the Florida winter coming, I'm mainly interested in which horticultural group group each of the species would fall in. Cultural information would also be welcome! Im wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as to where to find more extensive information on the groups. I figure Ill also throw in a few of the non Dendrobiums in case anyone could guide me on them as well.

I appreciate it if anyone is able to help me! :scratchhead:

Dendrobium lamellatum 'Peninsula'
Dendrobium concinnum
Dendrobium leonis
Dendrobium mannii
Dendrobium senile
Dendrobium acerosum
Dendrobium carunculatum
Dendrobium pergracile
Dendrobium sanq(g?)uinolentum

Agrostophyllum longifolium
Cleisostoma arietinum
Ceratostylis retisquama

I believe senile should be in either Group I or II (probably II). I believe it needs a full winter rest, but not real cold temps to bloom. I'll find out this spring since last winter I chose not to rest mine and this winter with all the new growths, I have started the rest period already. Don't know anything about the others.

From Dendrobium and it's relatives by Lavarack, Harris & Stocker

lamellatum - This species does well in cultivation fi given warm or intermediate conditions with year-round moisture and filtered sunlight. A small pot with a well-drained mixture that retains a little moisture is best, although slab culture has also been successful.

concinnum - Warm temperatures are required with year-round watering, although a small decrease in watering in winter may be beneficial as long as the plants do not dry out entirely. A pot with well-drained medium, or a slab are equally useful. Bright filtered sunlight is recommended.

leonis - Warm conditions with year-round high humidity are required. Watering should be maintained throughout the year, althought it may be slightly decreased in winter in cooler climates, provided the plants are not dry for long periods. A slab is best to accommodate growth habit. A pot of well-drained medium is also successful.

mannii - This species is easy to grow in a small pot of well-drained medium. It should be grown in filtered light and watered heavily during the growing season with a dry resting period in wintere and early spring. It does well in warm to intermediate conditions.

senile - This species has a reputation for being difficult to cultivate. It is best grown on a slab such as a piece of weathered wood. It requires intermediate or warm temperatures and must be given a dry season of about 3 months with little water if good flowering is to be achieved. It does best in bright filtered sunlight and good air movement.

acerosum - The pendulous habit makes thes plants more suited to slab culture, although they may be grown in a hanging pot of well-drained medium. Intermediate to warm conditions are recommended with regular watering year round, although the frequency may be reduced slightly in winter. Bright light is recommended.

carunculatum - no info
pergracile - no info

sanguinolentum - intermediate to warm conditions with year-round humidity are recommended. Plants should be watered heavily in the growing season, but allowed to dry out for short periods during winter. Bright filtered light is recommended. A hanging pot of well-drained medium or a slab may be best to accommodate the bendulous habit.

:whew Hope this helps. :)

Thanks for taking the time to type that up Terri! Youve made my day! Very helpful. Looks like I have another book to buy. :biggrin:

Ross, your response only 3 minutes after my post has got to be some kind of record! What media do you grow your senile in? Whats that beautiful little plant headlining your blog?

Thanks!!!
Sean

You're very welcome Sean! If you have an interest in Dendobiums that book is worth every penny. I find it far more useful than the Six Horticultural groups....:D

Terri, I think its fair to say I have an interest in Dendrobiums :biggrin: At least the smaller ones anyway. The book will be shipping within the next 1-4 days!

Sean, my senile is mounted on what appears to be Manzanita (a local "fire species" brush in California. I got it from Andy's. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...m_senile01.jpg Mine's a huge amount bigger than this introductory photo (note to self: Update your photos :biggrin: ) The lead photo on the blog is my Aerangis fastuosa. I have another that is in bud.