Can someone provide more detail on this Den please? - Orchid Board

Fuerte Rav · #1 03-22-2022, 04:32 PM

Hi all
I received a lovely gift today but I have no idea if I can provide suitable conditions for it!
I'd been very good and not bought anything except NOID Phals while I got to grips with providing suitable culture for them but out of the blue a friend arrived with this today.
The label just says Den mix.
It appears to be potted in very small bark, but that's just what I can see on the surface - I have no idea what is inside the pot. All my Phals are in S/H and it would be great if this could join them!
Any culture tips/or pointers to care sheets would be very welcome.
Also, is it blooming naturally at this time of year or has it possibly been forced?
The colour is beautiful, just what I would have chosen for myself, the colours in the pics are not very true, it's actually a very blue/mauve rather than a red/mauve.

For the moment this plant is in isolation, bright shade, 16-18C at night, 22-28C during the day, 55% humidity.

Roberta · #2 03-22-2022, 05:49 PM

Well, it's a Den-phal type. And a really pretty one.
Temperatures similar to Phalaenopsis but quite a bit more light. Other people have more experience with S/H, but I would think it would do fine that way. Those who grow with that approach can supply the details.

Fuerte Rav · #3 03-22-2022, 05:53 PM

Thanks Roberta, that's increased my knowledge by 200% (from zero)

estación seca · #4 03-22-2022, 06:14 PM

Yes. They do fine in S/H but do not move until new roots begin. For now keep warm, bright and water just before it's dry. It tolerates drying out but not for more than a day or two.

Fuerte Rav · #5 03-22-2022, 06:17 PM

Thanks ES, sounds like it should do OK in my conditions. I'm feeling a lot happier and more confident after your and Roberta's replies - phew!

estación seca · #6 03-22-2022, 06:27 PM

They're very easy to grow and flower. People run into trouble keeping them too cool in winter and not watering enough when making growth. They are very susceptible to spider mites so watch carefully.

DirtyCoconuts · #7 03-23-2022, 01:30 PM

these are indestructable in my climate. we buy them for a few bucks and lash them to tree around the neighborhood with ZERO additional care.

if they are note in a WET medium then water them freely and let them get good sun, mine get 4-5 hours of afternoon sun like 1-6 pm with a few of those a little shaded a few full sun