Dendrobium spectabile: Beginner-friendly?

[dsm]

Is this a good buy for a beginner? Small, not bloom-size?

[clintdawley]

These become huge plants and take forever to reach blooming size..

[jfrizz743]

These become huge plants and take forever to reach blooming size..

Yeah, the pseudobulbs can grow to be 2 feet tall. In cultivation though, this is a relatively easy species to grow. Just be careful of water lodging in the bracts on any developing new growths, as this can cause rot. They like a really coarse medium that allows the roots to be well aerated. Bright light, and these will grow really well in full sun, as long as they are slowly acclimatised to the high light level. Warm temps and year round watering, so no rest period. If you have the room for it, I say go for it...

[pavel]

Yeah, the pseudobulbs can grow to be 2 feet tall.

I've already seen one w/ pbs a little over 3ft tall at a show -- it was quite impressive.

[dsm]

wow. Probably not a good choice for my small place, but tempting!

[Ron-NY]

In nature they can get 4 feet tall but most likely wouldn't get above 16" for you....for smaller space you may want to try something like Dend unicum or moniliforme

[mtequine]

I have one, and absolutely agree with the above. It grows one new pbulb a year...at this rate, it may never get to blooming size, but I do enjoy it regardless as it has kind of unique foliage.

Small pot, course media, warm temps, and I have mine in a south window and it dries out completely before watering.

[Nataliwind]

Hello everybody,

I am very excited because my D.spectabile is going to bloom soon.
When I bought the plant 2,5 years ago, the largest growths were about 7-8". Now the plant is 17" tall; the largest cane is 10" tall (without foliage).

[mujacko2002]

Hello everybody,

I am very excited because my D.spectabile is going to bloom soon.
When I bought the plant 2,5 years ago, the largest growths were about 7-8". Now the plant is 17" tall; the largest cane is 10" tall (without foliage).

Mabuhay!

you're a certified goddess!!! Congrats!

[Nataliwind]

Mabuhay!

you're a certified goddess!!! Congrats!

WOW, thank you very much!! :-)