Dend unicum

[gbrice]

That one's beautiful Ron. I think I'll have to put it on my list too.
-g

[Ron-NY]

I need to get one of these and I found it at an internet seller that I have purchased from before. I'll be ordering shortly.
I'm just a neophyte with orchids and would appreciate some information. What do you mean "the older canes die after a couple of years"? Do you just cut the off and discard, or do you re-plant them to clone the plant? Does the plant itself stay small?

The older canes don't stay alive after a few years but die and fall off. If they are dead and shriveled, I will cut them off but the plant seems to self prune. Yes, it stays small. I have never had a cane longer than about 6 inches.

[mtequine]

Gorgeous! Maybe I just need to move into your greenhouse, Ron....so many of your plants end up on my list! LOL

[Ron-NY]

you should see my wish list

[wetfeet101b]

jkhom,
There should be no need to cut the old canes unless you see any signs of infection that could risk the entire plant.
The old canes on my plant just shrivel and slowly fade completely.

I follow the usual "nobile" dendrobium culture for me Den. unicum. Heavy watering and regular feeding from April-September when the canes/leaves are in active growth and then switch to just occational misting in October. Then absolutely no water from November up to March (or until new canes start to grow).

The "No watering" part makes some gardeners nervous and it is tempting to give the plant some water. But these plants seem to really like that dry period in the winter time.

[Ron-NY]

I never give a a total dry winter rest to this one but it is mounted on cork, so it would dry quickly anyways, plus the root system does not seem to be active on it to be capable of absorbing any water. I have a couple of dends that I have not watered since November and they are still in a dry rest.

[bono]

Wonderful pictures of a truly beautiful orchid. Way to grow.

[wetfeet101b]

I never give a a total dry winter rest to this one but it is mounted on cork, so it would dry quickly anyways, plus the root system does not seem to be active on it to be capable of absorbing any water. I have a couple of dends that I have not watered since November and they are still in a dry rest.

Interesting. I was curious what would happen if I water these plants during winter rest.
I guess the plant has some means to fending off water when it does not want it, like the root surfaces being locked watertight during this time.

[Nekletka]

I like it very much.. Definitely on wish list.