Type of Dendrobium?

[judith_arquette]

Hubby came home from the grocery store with a nice surprise tonight but now I need help. It came labeled Miniature Dendrobium Orchid. I know some types of dens require a winter rest and for that reason I've steered clear because the whole thing seems pretty complicated to me... Now it seems I need to learn about a whole other type of orchid and I'd appreciate any help I can get. I know an Id is impossible but can anyone tell me if this is of the type that needs a winter rest? It appears to be potted in ProMix with a layer of sphag on top, any watering tips greatly appreciated as well. Thanks

[Ordphien]

No winter rest.
It's a phal den type.
I prefer bright to very bright light.
Evenly damp media, let it dry a little between watering. And average household temps are fine.

[catherinecarney]

Hi Judith--

Beautiful flowers!

I'm not an "orchid expert" by any stretch, but it looks like a Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrid to me. If that's the case, no winter rest needed.

On thing I've found with this type of den is that they absolutely do not like to have wet roots. Mine grow best in a chunky bark mix (no moss)--so if yours is in a soil type mix (or moss) you probably will want to repot it sooner rather than later.

Give it plenty of light (mine are in a south window for the winter or under T5 fluorescents), water thoroughly and let nearly dry before watering again, and provide intermediate temps and you should be good to go!

Keep us posted!

Catherine

[judith_arquette]

Thanks! It's so lovely, I just hope I don't kill it. Now it's time to read through as many old posts relevant to this type as possible and hope I get the hang of it quickly

---------- Post added at 08:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 PM ----------

Originally Posted by catherinecarney

Hi Judith--

Beautiful flowers!

I'm not an "orchid expert" by any stretch, but it looks like a Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrid to me. If that's the case, no winter rest needed.

On thing I've found with this type of den is that they absolutely do not like to have wet roots. Mine grow best in a chunky bark mix (no moss)--so if yours is in a soil type mix (or moss) you probably will want to repot it sooner rather than later.

Give it plenty of light (mine are in a south window for the winter or under T5 fluorescents), water thoroughly and let nearly dry before watering again, and provide intermediate temps and you should be good to go!

Keep us posted!

Catherine

Thank you. He has great taste He gifted me with my very first orchid (a beautiful magenta Phal-RIP) a little over a year ago and now I can't imagine not having them <3
Thanks for the tips! I have LECA which most of my orchids are in because I am a chronic over waterer, will this work?

[catherinecarney]

Hi Judith--

I don't have experience with LECA, but if it's working for your other orchids it will probably work for this one....

BTW, if you get hooked on Dens, try a Den. kingianum next--it stays fairly small, grows like a weed, blooms with a minimal slightly dryer rest in late winter, and the flowers smell like honey.

Yup, gotta feed your addiction (grin)....

Catherine