Dendrobiums in bloom

[Optimist]

Dendrobium C.K. Ai "Oka" AM/AOS
This one blooms off old cane.


Dendrobium Noid, Trader Joe's. This spikes from a new cane.


These flowers last quite awhile. Several months.

[Dollythehun]

Beautiful. What is the top one?

[u bada]

love em... i imagine you put them outside for spring/summer?

[Optimist]

Sorry I forgot to use the whole name. Den. C. K. Ai 'Oka' x Den canaliculatum is actually called Den. Pumpkin Patch (It seems). It is:
50% canaliculatum
12.5% discolor
12.5% phalenopsis
12.5% schulleri
12.5% tokai (an antelope-eared species)

So the Oka. is a 4 species hybrid, crossed with another species (canaliculatum). Quite unusual genetics.

[Dollythehun]

Care?

[Optimist]

Yes U Bada, it is an Australian/new Guinea orchid and likes being a bit dryer than the typical Den. Phal. This one is potted in Lava rocks, and there was a period where I did not water for about a month because I was sick. Since it flowers in the winter, I never know if I have killed it or not. I have had it about 3 years and it was in flower when I got it, and then skipped a year, and then came in flower right now. It has 3 other canes, which I did not show in the picture.

---------- Post added at 03:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:38 PM ----------

Dollythehun

It seems to be one of those orchids who like minimal interference from we human types. The main species (50%) is canaliculatum. It looks like an onion. It looks so different like this that you can't imagine they are related at all. It is an Australian orchid (North Queensland) that likes "Dry" and
rocky terrain.

Growth……. Late spring to early autumn , copious water at the roots, plenty of fresh air, high temp but not high humidity. In their natural habitat this is the wet season. Rain falls nearly every day , mainly in the late afternoon.


Resting ……Autumn to early winter, Keep dryer than most Dendrobiums. It does not hurt to let the pbulbs shrivel. If in a greenhouse have the plants up high near the glass in winter. If the green house is unheated, it is okay to keep the plants totally dry and near the top ventilators.
Note… If watering and shading are not reduced at this time a new growth will appear. The growth at this time is destined to fail.


Flowering……Late winter to spring , just a little water to keep the pbulbs from shrivelling too much and to keep the flowers firm.
Water temp should be not less than 13C or 55F .

Slab culture suits best but if grown in a pot, a very open mix and the smallest possible pot .
When crossed with large pbulbed plants it reduces the plant size considerably with good upright spikes and numerous flowers.
...
So what I have done is place it outside with the Cattleyas. It really takes pretty close to Lalia care. Rain (hose) each day, spring, summer, then cut it off (rest) during Autumn and winter. This Fall rest makes sure you have your flowers in the winter.

[AJW]

Very nice indeed