Dendrobium aggregatum - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 10-31-2007, 03:32 PM

I was looking at orchids on internet a few day ago, and I completely fell it love with Den. aggregatum! But since I'm a newbie to orchids, I wanted to know more about the growing conditions it needs. The problem is that I have trouble finding information on it, and sometimes it's conflicting info (cool/intermediate vs warm/hot, low light vs bright light...).Some say it's an easy grower, others say it's a pain in the neck. So what does this plant like? What works for you?

Since I'm a student, I can't really afford to buy it only for it to die because I didn't know how to care for it! Actually, I just plain can't afford to buy orchids

(but I do it anyways. Can't help myself!

)

cb977 · #2 10-31-2007, 03:41 PM

I'll start by saying this one is also known as Den aggravation

It takes lots of sun as much as it can take without burning the leaves) and water but needs a definitive rest period over the winter months.

camille1585 · #3 10-31-2007, 03:52 PM

Is Den aggravation one of it's names, or do you call it that because it 'aggravates' you??

cb977 · #4 10-31-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

Is Den aggravation one of it's names, or do you call it that because it 'aggravates' you??

It's just a name used by folks who have aggravation while trying to grow it.
This is not to say that it can't be done...I've seen many of my friends have success and the plants are gorgeous but that success doesn't usually come easy

camille1585 · #5 10-31-2007, 04:12 PM

I don't think I really feel like dealing with a problem child. I'd rather start with reliable bloomers, and then maybe get this one a few years down the road.Too bad though, I really love how the flowers cascade around the plant.
Looks like I have to look for other ideas(shouldn't be hard!), because I have this sudden urge to buy an orchid. Last time I got one was in April!

That's way too long ago...

Shirley · #6 11-01-2007, 12:06 AM

Camille,

I've been enjoying my aggregatum for quite a few years now and haven't found it difficult at all to grow! There is a photo of it in my gallery. Mine is in a slat basket with a mix of medium bark and some perlite and charcoal. It is in the brightest part of my sunroom but that is not particularly high light as it's on the North side of the house. I water weekly, varying a little depending on the temperatures, and fertilize every second week. It is now starting a complete rest until the end of January. Unless it's very expensive, I would say it's certainly worth a try! BTW it is also named Den. lindleyi.

Shirley

quiltergal · #7 10-31-2007, 04:01 PM

I have Den. jenkinsii which is a smaller variation of aggregatum. It's in a 4" basket in a south facing window with blinds and under a T5 fluorescent light. I'm watering weekly, 125ppm N fert, and I may cut back more as we head into winter. In the summer when it was a lot warmer it was getting a midweek plain water. It's growing like a weed. I've only had it since August but it's put out 4 new growths since then and I'm seeing lots of new root growth. I'd say it's an intermediate grower that likes bright light. I can't say whether it's an easy bloomer or not. I'll let you know in the spring!

Ross · #8 10-31-2007, 03:56 PM

This is one of the fellows Tony and I started the idea Dendros are bad! Or are they evil? Not sure which. Some of us just gave up on these guys because we ran out of cash to support the hobby

Phantasm · #9 11-01-2007, 01:48 PM

I have two plants that have bloomed once in about 5 years......Not a good track record. I think some plants are just easier to bloom than others and if you are lucky, the one you get is a good bloomer.

Shirley · #10 11-01-2007, 03:49 PM

Camille,

Don't worry about the questions, that's what the forum is for.

I've been checking out my orchid notes for you and was surprised to see that I got my aggregatum in 1988! The spikes usually start appearing April to June here and develop fairly quickly. They come straight out of the sides of the bulbs, which looks rather peculiar. Flowers last about six weeks. I leave my plant in the same room all year except to show it off

, and I'm sure the 56 temp. would be fine but I don't know about 48 if it is constant.

It doesn't need any water at all during the rest period. I'll start misting again about Feb., working up to weekly thorough watering.

Shirley