Dendrobium spectabile

[Bud]

This specie is endemic to Australia, Papua and New Guinea that was discovered and registered in 1849. The canes and leaves are large and imposing yet the flowers are some of the most unusual in the Dendrobium alliance. The orchid plant needs to be at least four to five years old before it gets a flower shoot. I have seen this Dendrobium with canes of more than 3 feet. A heavy sturdy 8-inch to 10-inch pot is needed to hold this large tall orchid plant. Its size and weight compares to the large Cymbidiums.

It is a very collectible orchid plant that you will either come to love or hate …. Are they really awesome or weird and ugly?
I personally consider it as ‘art in nature’ and in its own way also beautiful although not classically beautiful as most flowers are.

The flowers of Dendrobium spectabile defy description. The bizarre 4-inch blossoms have sepals and petals that are extremely twisted — sometimes wrapping around each other and keeping the buds from opening. The colors are a blend of yellow, burgundy and ivory but give the impression of a washed-out tan. The throat has a “hinged” mechanism that flutters with air movement, attracting a specific pollinator in the wild. I simulate this bounce by gently shaking the flower. This is the sixth week since the flowers have fully opened. I have seen older plants that can easily produce 100 blossoms or more= I still have a young five years old plant and I am lucky to have a single spike this blooming cycle.

Another reason why I grow this is because of its fragrance. This flower’s semi-sweet aroma is strong from across the room, day or night. Even Oncidium Sharry Baby, the famous chocolate-scented Dancing Lady, cannot compete with the intensity.

The culture of D. spectabile is pretty much like the common type Dendrobiums except that I give it higher light, more like Vanda levels (5,000 foot candles) or bright shade direct sun exposure during summer months outside the fire escape so it will give me flowers. I feed it weekly weakly k-lite fertilizer with seaweed mix and water it twice a week and I potted in an orchid mix for all Dendrobiums. I give it a drastic winter rest withholding water from Halloween to Valentine’s Day until I see new growths.

[RosieC]

Really love this one, and your pictures against the blue sky are wonderful!

[Bud]

Thank You, Rosie !!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Fabulous!

I was given a small seedling a few years ago - can you tell me how tall the first blooming cane on yours is? And how tall the next tallest is? I am hoping mine may be near bloom size by now ...

Thanks! and good growing!

[rastafouni]

Fascinating species, I love it.

[Ferns Daddy]

I love the colors in it, the colors reminds me of Mothra from the old Godzilla movies.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Fabulous!

I was given a small seedling a few years ago - can you tell me how tall the first blooming cane on yours is? And how tall the next tallest is? I am hoping mine may be near bloom size by now ...

Thanks! and good growing!

Thank You, Sonya !!!!

The tip is where the spike comes out = to the base of the cane this stands 16 inches tall and the spike adds another 11 inches. The largest leaf is about 7 inches long and five inches wide. The next cane is a foot long.

---------- Post added at 09:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

Originally Posted by rastafouni

Fascinating species, I love it.

Thank You, Philippe!!!!

---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ferns Daddy

I love the colors in it, the colors reminds me of Mothra from the old Godzilla movies.

Thank You Daddy!

* I googled 'Mothra' and it is an amazing colorful hentai rendition of a hybrid butterfly and a bee....

[WhiteRabbit]

Thanks for the info, Bud!
Gah! Mine still has quite a ways to go ... I'm thinking I may not live long enough to see it bloom

[Bud]

Don't be silly, Sonya!

Just hang in there and give it more patience....you will be rewarded with fragrant unique looking flowers....I have seen your Cymbidiums and it is to covet and envy of any orchid grower.

[nikkik]

Awesome, Bud! I have always loved this unique beauty! Fantastic growing!