Dendrobium with purple lip and petals
 

Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to the orchid hobby so am having trouble with this NOID. I was stopped in my tracks when I saw the unusual (to my novice eyes) pattern on this denbrobium. Anyone out there have any ideas what this could be. I've looked every in the internet with no luck. I don't even know what kind of dendrobium this is (although I def know this is not a nobile). I really want to take good care for this beauty.

Aloha!

P.S. sorry for the sideways photos. Am still figuring out how to post on here!

It is a beauty and it is a Dendrobium phalenopsis. You may never be able to ID it conclusively.

I grow mine in an east window in medium bark and clay pots. They will grow with phals but, seem to prefer more light. I fertilize weakly, at each watering and in the growing season that might be twice a week. Unless you go something stupid they are very easy and rewarding to grow.,

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Is there a grower's name anywhere on the plant or container? Or can you contact the seller and ask where they got it? The grower can probably identify it for you.

I agree it has Dendrobium phalaenopsis in its background, but I think it also might have some Latouria or other parentage, as well. Carol outlined the culture. In Hawaii you can probably put it outside in dappled shade all year round.

And you didn't even show us the yellow Phal!

I thought of that too, ES. I also forgot to say, don't cut the old canes. As long as they are alive, they are contributing to the plant.

Not sure about Latouria influence, but this definitely looks like a Den phal hybrid with some "antelope" (section Spatulata) background, which is extremely common. It is a beautiful pattern but far from unique. It won't be possible to be certain of any name ID, but Den phal type is all you need to know for care.

Dend-phals are almost like Phalenopsis hybrids, there are so many of them! In a lot of cases, the breeders do not even name them!

Yours has little white "flares" on the tips of some of the petals. That would narrow it down to a parent who reliably produced, flares, or a genetic mutation.

It is quite nice, but will probably remain an Noid.

Thanks all for the responses. Although I may never wind up knowing the name of this one, at least I can do my best to take care of her.

And since some of you asked, here's another sideways pic of the yellow