Is this a dendrobium?

[Aurelia]

Hi, I was given this and I am guessing it’s a den. Anyone know what type of den. Flowers are purple if that helps. Just not sure if soft or hard or what!

[Roberta]

Noted in the Identification subforum ... Purple flowers, a good possibility that it is Den. kingianum. (Growths look like it) If so, spring is its bloom time so you have about 6 months to wait.

[Aurelia]

Oh great! Thank you. I doubt it’s been reported in years. Should I repot? If so in just bark?

[Roberta]

The plant looks healthy. You are headed into autumn and then winter, and the plant will be slowing down. I think it is better to wait for spring and the start of new growth, it isn't an emergency situation. As the weather becomes cooler, reduce watering. It doesn't need to be bone dry (or even want that) but it can get nearly dry before watering. During the growing season in warmer months, you can water freely. But for now, ease up on it. Then, even if the medium is broken down there is also less chance of problems if kept somewhat drier.

[Aurelia]

Definitely not an emergency, I’ll wait for new growth. Is that after blooming is the best time to repot? Thank you for your advice. I have a den phal and I don’t know anything much about other dendrobiums.

[Roberta]

If it is indeed a Den kingianum or hybrid thereof, yes it starts new growth around the time of blooming, you can wait until after it blooms. Flowers only last a few weeks at most (unlike Den-phal types) but are often quite fragrant
Also, it grows cooler than Den-phals. What part of Australia do you live in?

[Aurelia]

I’m in Melbourne so I do worry it could be too cold outside in the winter. I am in an apartment with a shaded balcony. I’m not sure if inside or out is best.

[Roberta]

Outside for sure. As long as temperatures are above freezing it will be fine. I grow it outside in coastal southern California, winter night temperatures typically are 4-5 deg C, occasionally go lower for a few hours. It also tolerates summer heat (just give some shade, direct sun can toast leaves but high ambient temperatures are no problem.) In short, this group (Den kingianum, speciosum, tetragonum, falcorostrum and hybrids among them) are basically very tough and forgiving.

[Aurelia]

Oh good! I have little room left indoors. That’s perfect. I think it will be ok with our winter then. Sorry to be a pin but do I fertilise as per the other orchids, also kelp max ?

[Roberta]

No pain at all! During the cold months, probably best to not fertilize at all. It isn't growing much so it doesn't need it. So during spring and summer into fall, fertilize with everything else. It doesn't need much. Kelpmax would certainly be helpful to stimulate root growth when the weather warms up, along with the water and fertilizer (especially after you repot.) I hope that I have guessed correctly, but the appearance and the purple flowers make me pretty certain. Enjoy!
I love these temperate-zone Australian Dens ... they grow really well where I live. (I posted a thread just a few days ago, mine are blooming their little heads off... it's spring!)