Dendrobium aggregatum
 

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?:scratchhead:
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:dumb: (but I do it anyways. Can't help myself!:blushing: )

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.

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

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 :evil:

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

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! :biggrin:

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! :shock: That's way too long ago...

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 :biggrin:

Thanks for all the info everyone! So it seems like it's one of those orchids that you don't know if it will work for you until you try. Fits my conditions pretty good too. I like the Den agrregatum var jenkinsii too (even more actually because i love the size) but can't find it in Europe so far.

Looks like I may buy this guy anyways since I like it so much. Found a vendor in the Netherlands which sells it for 15€, shipping included.

Any :photo: to share??

Camille,

Did you look at the :photo: in my gallery? It is var. majus which has larger flowers than jenkensii. The yellow colour is gorgeous, especially when the sun hits it. Doesn't take many years to outgrow the basket -- mine has been divided up several times. Forgot to say that I grow intermediate (60 to 80 deg. approx.) The plant is also very disease and pest resistant.

Shirley :Tup: