Seeking 2nd Opinions on Den. growths

[work2ski]

Diane/Julie,

Yes Diane, it's an Iwanagara. The order of the plants from the pic is as followed:

Iwanagara Appleblossom
Blc Waianae Leopard
Stlma Keely 'Lea'
Lc Hwa Yuan Beauty
C. walkeriana coerulea (still a seedling)

I am still debating whether to let the grower hold the dowiana till it starts to spike before sending it. The compulsive side of me is saying, 'Get it now you damned fool', but the logical side is urging for patience and saying 'You get it now and you will never see a single flower in its next blooming cycle, you dumb newbie!'.

I have been doing a lot of research on the C. dowiania and have acquired a small growing guide just for it. I'm sure it was like this for everyone. It first starts out as a momentary thought... slowly evolving into a slight obsession that eventually encompassing your very being. With my eyes opened or not, I'd just see that incredible blazing magenta lip.

It is because of everyone here (especially you two and Hoa) that made me feel so welcomed here and sparked my interest on cattleyas (especially the beautiful story of Julie's grandmother). Without reading and participating in these posts, I know I would still be intimidated by them, just like the dens. Thanks again.

But once the 1st den spiked, my confidence level shot up by 500%. You are literally witnessing a monster in the making.
I read it somewhere that described our universal feeling perfectly. "IT IS TRULY THE GREATEST OF ALL SILENT PLEASURES".

I really wish we could all meet in CO next spring to share orchid stories/pics/exp. and ski till our bodies break down...

Overwhelmed your senses,
Trung

[Piper]

Trung,

You've truly discovered the poetry of orchids. And while Diane, Hoa or myself may have lit the spark, the fuse is all you! That's how it is.

Beware the lusts of others...they're highly contagious!

There's nothing here to intimidate. We're all of the same mix as you: passion, curiosity and terror. And no one has all the answers - we all learn from each other; so please share what you find...I'd love to learn more about C. dowiana and her culture!

Julie

PS - Dends still intimidate me!

[lansrose]

I also have the dendrobium huge like the photo. Bought from the nusery. I have asked for the info what type of fiterlizer they use to make it become huge. But they don't want to told. The keiki look like a bambo shoot. Sorry no picture to prove.