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Australian Dendrobiums of the Section Dendrocoryne are generally an adaptable lot, thriving in
cool to intermediate temperatures. We grow most of these in a high light shade house that
generally ranges from a high of 85° F in the summer to a low of 30° F in the winter. Nighttime
lows are in the high 50s in the summer. With good air circulation and high humidity, we have
had minimal damage with occasional 28°F nights.
We have grown many of these in full sun here,
and had them survive (but not thrive) in very low Phalenopsis level light. Humidity is generally above 60%, and is very important.
As most of these plants are lithophytes, we grow in various sorts of rock – occasionally with some tree fern or osmunda fiber added. Beautiful plants can also be grown in tree fern baskets.
Bark can be used, but generally breaks down much too rapidly. We generally repot every 3 or 4 years, and use the smallest pot possible. Hence, the plants offered here are large for the size of pot. After repotting we place the plants on a thermostatically controlled heating mat at 80°F until the new roots are at least one inch long. For drainage and air to the roots, we use clay pots exclusively.
Watering is a daily operation during the growing season. We give these plants at least 30 and usually about 60 days of cool, dry rest each year, generally in the late fall and early winter.
During this mandatory rest time they are misted, but not given water to the roots. A 200-PPM solution of Liquid Fish and Kelp is metered into the water at all times.
As mature specimens, these are tough plants. Many of these clones bloom twice a year, and canes form mature plants can put out spikes for three or more years. Larger specimens can have thousands of fragrant blooms in a spectacular display. Younger plants or seedlings are a less hardy, and should be treated accordingly. But the full-grown plants can live in a sheltered outdoor place year round in Coastal California or in the summers almost everywhere.
Most of these are large, well established and in most cases specimen plants, ready to thrive and bloom in your care. Some varieties take 5 to 7 years of growth to reach the level of maturity that allows regular and spectacular flowering. In some cases we have smaller starter propagations available for the patient.
Here is a great link to Orchid Mania's Dendrobium kingianum page.
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(Rock Orchids) For those who wish to decorate a tree or the sidewall of your greenhouse, these are a great bargain. We grow some 40 different clones of Australian Dendrobiums, with an emphasis on the hardy kingianum, Our price:
$20.00
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(Pink Rock Orchid) Light pink flowers with a dark pink lip, often ten or more on an inflorescence. Better than ‘Ruth’ in my opinion. Cane size is mid-way between our 'Elk White' and 'Paul'. Foliage is very dark green and heavy.
I suspect this clone to be a chance tetraploid. It is...
Our price:
$12.00
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(Pink Rock Orchid) This is one of our favorites, as it is hearty and prolific. From a seedling we raised in the 80s. Densely growing, medium-sized clone with spectacular plum flowers that hover above the canes on thin stems. We have nice, full 6-10 cane plants. These will form very large clumps...
Our price:
$14.00
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(White Rock Orchid) This variety is the result of a selfing of the very fine ‘Bay Islands’ clone. It is a very small cane,
generally less than 3 inches high and very fat. A miniature delight! Small, pure white heavy
textured flowers are presented on short stems. The foliage is light green – th...
Regular store price:
$30.00
Our price:
$20.00 save 33%
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(Pink Rock Orchid) A family heirloom probably secured at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show in the 1950’s. Tall, thin canes grow in great profusion to about 9 inches. The flowers are large, pale lilac mauve on strong stems. Often there are three flower stems for each cane.
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Our price:
$12.00
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