My first ever Dendrobium - spectacular!!

[Susie11]

I am beside myself at the moment as I have just received my first ever Dendrobium- a spectabile no less. I love this one so much. I have bought a CFL bulb in order to grow her under and I hope that in a year or so I shall see her beautiful alienesque type blooms. The tallest cane is 13 inches but there are several smaller canes just beginning to grow. I can't wait for her to bloom. So excited right now

[OrchidAddict]

Congrats! I can't wait to see pictures of the blooms!

[Halloamey]

Very excited for you Susie, the plant looks healthy, but I am a bit worried about the media, it looks too fine almost like regular potting mix for normal garden plants.

[Susie11]

Hi Amey. The substrate is a medium bark, charcoal, perlite mix that I use for my paphs. I have also used it for my Lycaste skinneri which is doing great in it. It is free draining and quick drying. I think that it'll be fine. Thanks for the concern though.

[pavel]

Very excited for you Susie, the plant looks healthy, but I am a bit worried about the media, it looks too fine almost like regular potting mix for normal garden plants.

I would have to agree with Amey, Susie. While such a mix may be good for paphs, I think it is very likely going to be too moisture retentive for a den. Dens generally prefer a much coarser mix. Having said that, I do freely admit that I have never grown this species --- I've seen how big they get and know I lack the needed space.

Hope it thrives for you!

[angela]

I have to agree with Amey about the potting medium you are using. Hope it works well for you.

Very excited for you Susie, the plant looks healthy, but I am a bit worried about the media, it looks too fine almost like regular potting mix for normal garden plants.

[Susie11]

I have noticed that my new Den. spectabile has some black spots under the base of some of the leaves. My gut feeling is that they are not harmful but just the natural growth habit of this type of den however, I would be most grateful if someone could take a little look and put my mind at rest thanks in advance.

[catttan]

Congrats on a very fine acquisition.

[Susie11]

Hi Pavel. This mix dries out very fast. I use it on my Lycaste and my Rossioglossum and they have both really taken off in it. I will have to water it about every three days so I believe it is ok -for now.
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[orchidsal]

I think you'l find Dendrobiums are very rewarding. It's a very nice plant you have there. AL