Den(speciosum-gracilicaule)specio-kingianum culture

[amulchandra]

Hi all,

I really need your help. I bought this orchid which the tag says Den(speciosum-gracilicaule) speciosum-kingianum from home depot today for 11 dollars. I do not have any idea what it is and how to care for it. It has white flowers with violet streak and are really fragrant. Can someone tell me what kind of care it needs? I live in Southern California.

About the plant--it really looks healthy with around ten shoots and 4 spikes

I have had success with Phals and rebloomed a number of them with your help.I have five of them reblooming at home right now.

Please help me.

Thank you

Amul

Amulchandra

[Ron]

Hi, it is one of the Aussie natives that crossed over to America.
Cool to warm grower in frost fee area.
Grows outdoors in a light shady area in a well drained potting mix.
I used 15 mm bark (1/2 to 3/4 inch) only and fertilized in the growing season with a normal orchid fertilizer not to high in nitrogen.
Usually has a magic perfume.

[amulchandra]

Hi Ron,

Thank you very much for your response. That helps me a lot. My area is a frost free zone. Pardon my ignorance. Can I grow it under Phal conditions or does it need more light than that like a Cymbidium? When should I repot it? It looks like it is in a very old potting mix.

Yes it has a magic scent to it.

Thank you again

Amul

[Ron]

Hi.
I grew mine all under 50% to &0% shade cloth, a tad more light them Phallies.
Could grow quiet comfortable with the Cymbidiums.
I like to re-pot mine in spring after the flowers are finished and the new growth is starting.
Best of luck

[amulchandra]

Thank you Ron. I really appreciate your reply.

Amul

[terra_australis]

To expand on Ron's advice, it sounds like what you have is Den. X gracillimum (ie. speciosum X gracilicaule) crossed with Den. X delicatum (ie. speciosum X kingianum).

All of the parents are light lovers, Dendrobium speciosum being a very hardy lithophyte tolerant of extremely exposed sunny conditions. Dendrobium kingianum is also generally found as a lithophyte however prefers a more shaded position. Dendrobium gracilicaule is an epiphyte found in sunny canopy positions in subtropical rainforest.

From my experience these sorts of hybrids are relatively easy to care for. Give plenty of light and a very open mix. The mix should dry completely between waterings - avoid over-watering although it should be fairly tolerant. Cut back water in winter. This and cooler temperatures potentially induces flowering in spring.