Question about den. spectabile

[AdamD]

I got one as a seedling about a year ago with seven small small growths. I grow it pretty warm and bright. It has put up 3 growths since I got it, and the newest one is about 8" (20cm) tall. Question is, it looks like it's in sheath. Has anyone bloomed one on such a small growth? Or is it just faking me out? I guess time will tell, just wanted some input. It's in a 2" seedling pot, watered almost every day with drying out in between.

 

[SlipperFan]

Where is the "sheath"? Spectabile sends spikes out the side of the canes, toward the top but under the leaves. I wouldn't call it a sheath.

I once saw a seedling of about a foot tall in flower, but the vendor said that was rare and wouldn't sell it to me. 8" seems pretty small, but if it flowers, you have a gem!

 

[AdamD]

Thanks Dot! Good to know. I guess it's just the first growth with more than two leaves as it's growing out of the crown. I know next to nothing about this species, besides hot and bright and dry, and weirdo flowers! I thought it still had a ways to go, that's why I asked. Oh well... Wishful thinking

 

[SlipperFan]

I'm not sure what you mean by "dry." I water mine 2x a week, but it is in PrimeAgra (not s/h) so lots of air to the roots and they don't stay wet. I decrease watering after it blooms, usually in January or February.

 

[AdamD]

I water mine probably 5 days a week, but it's essentially a mass of roots, a piece or two of primeagra and a piece or two of large CHC fighting for space in a 2" pot. It dries out pretty quick. It seems happy, each growth bigger than the last.

 

[Carkin]

I would love to see a pic of your plant. This is by far my favourite Dendrobium species!

 

[limuhead]

Depending on the parentage spectaile can bloom really small. Not so sure if it will bloom in a 2" pot, although I have seen it happen(way overgrown 2" pot, would have been fine in a 5"). I know that H&R has a few clones, one called 'Shorty' and a few others that bloom really small, but eventually become monsters just like the rest. You can actually 'bonsai' your spectabile by keeping it in a smaller pot, giving less water, and brighter light, but even then it will eventually get big...

 

[AdamD]

Sorry they're crappy iPhone photos. Did a little research, definitely a new leaf. Didn't know the blooming habits of this plant were out of the cane, thanks Dot. I thought everything bloomed out of the crown like a slipper?!






Still a few growths from blooming

 

[jtrmd]

I had the 'Dwarf' variety, or at least that was what the label said. The thing was 2 1/2 - 3 ft tall. It would bloom from the canes when the growth was finally matured. I tried to ''bonsai'' it from the beginning,but it still ended up tall in a small pot. I finally had to get rid of it for being a space hog.

 

[Carkin]

Thank you for those pics, it looks great!!! Mine is about the same size. We can have a race to blooming!

 

[AdamD]

Thank you for those pics, it looks great!!! Mine is about the same size. We can have a race to blooming!

Ooh you're on! I love a little friendly competition :viking:

 

[SlipperFan]

Thank you for those pics, it looks great!!! Mine is about the same size. We can have a race to blooming!

Ooh you're on! I love a little friendly competition :viking:

Let us know in about 5 years...

 

[Carkin]

All right!!! The race is on...even though it sounds like is going to be more of a marathon! Hahaha. I will take a pic of mine when I get a chance.

 

[Carkin]

Here is mine, with a can of coke for size reference.

 

[AdamD]

Hmm I'd say it's neck and neck.

 

[Carkin]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. This is going to be fun!

 

[Carkin]

Let us know in about 5 years...

Hahaha...don't discourage us! Plus we will post updates along the way!

 

[AdamD]

Hell yes! New thread?

 

[Carkin]

Whatever you'd like!

 

[SlipperFan]

Hahaha...don't discourage us! Plus we will post updates along the way!

No intention to discourage. Just want you to be forewarned. :evil: