Dendrobium findlayanum - what to do??

[blackvine]

Hi, all - I got this Den. findlayanum about a year ago, not knowing it needed winter dormancy. Last winter, I did not let it go dormant so, of course, it did not bloom this year. This year, I've talked to a few folks and they seem to agree with the AOS:

"Culture Growth period in summer; give warmth, water and fertilize heavily from when roots appear until top leaf appears on canes. Then give high light, little or no water, no fertilizer, cool nights (40 to 50 F). In other words, forget about them."

I do have a place that can give it the right temps, but it needs high light during dormancy, as far as I can tell. Well . . . how about a south facing basement block-type window where it would probably get Phal-type light (maybe less), because of the blocks? That place would give it the right temps, but I'm not sure about light. What do you think?

[WhiteRabbit]

[blackvine]

Thanks, Sonya! I 'm beginning to think no one actually knows about this crazy, beautiful den! Oh, well - if no responses, I'll just stick it in the basement by that glass block window and see what happens. Will definitely report the outcome!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

I do not think Phal type or less light will be enough for this Dendro, since the winter sun is much weaker, they enjoy bathing in it in my experience, and I do actually move them in winter months from the spot at the balcony to the railing every afternoon, the days are shorter, sun is weaker, so I am trying to give all dormant Dendros as much as I can. You may end up with no blooming plant or keikis again. I would be not worried so much regarding the very low temperatures, I have quite a few dormant Dendrobiums including nobile type and they do not get temps lower than some 55-60 for a few nights, with possibilities of cold fronts and even lower temps for another few nights, but they still do bloom for me outside in Florida. As far as you provide dry rest, no fertilizer from now pretty much, and lot of light plus some decrease in temperatures, you should get your plant to bloom.

[campchi]

If you give it plenty of sun during summer, winter rest should be fine provide you have the right temp for the night. This thing should bloom, I think u can treat this with many of the nobile dendrobium culture.

[blackvine]

Thanks, all! Well, down to the basement he goes in a few weeks when we have a hard freeze. He'll have 2 out of 3 conditions: cool, dry rest. Just not much light. If it doesn't bloom in spring, I'll give it to someone who can provide the right conditions. Maybe. His canes are so pretty!

[katrina]

I don't grow this one but OrchidWiz says in it's native habitat it gets it's highest light during the winter rest. That being the case, I would think that high light is important during that period. Good luck w/it!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

I Agree with katrina, I would keep it in "warmer" temperatures but much brighter light, and provided dry winter rest and no fertilizer. I do not think that cold temps are really the most important, I see the light more important in the winter time. But that's my 5 cents. If you would happen to have space by the window in your house, even warmer temps, I would go for that!

[voyager]

It's been a while, but I have grown a D. findlayanum in my living room in Alaska.

I did specialize in cool dry rest Dendrobiums.
It grew well and bloomed for me.
My Orchids

Summers I gave it a lot of light, and moisture.
Winters I would give it all the light I could with only 4-1/2 hour days, and cut moisture back giving it only enough water to keep it from shriveling in the very low in-home humidity.
I did use a humidifier in the winters.
As soon as growth begins in the spring, which can be anytime from February on, begin watering.
Your growing medium will dictate how much and when you water. I pretty much treated all my cool-dry-rest Dendrobiums the same. I'd keep winter day temps about 70F and night temps about 60 - 65F. Keep them bathed in air movement from fans. Don't smoke or let anyone else smoke in the home. Benign neglect is the best treatment.
Summer temps were produced by what air came in through open doors and windows plus the solar radiation through the windows.
Somewhere in my unpacked boxes I have a copy of the Bakers' Dendrobium tome. I need to get it out for myself in the near future.
When I do I'll post their descriptions and habitat info. here for you.

[blackvine]

Voyager, thank you! Well, I can do low temp/low water/low light OR regular temp/low water/high light. Think I'll try the former this year.

Your Dens are beautiful! So you went from Alaska to Hawaii?? You ARE a voyager! That's wonderful!