Dendrobium secundum (3.5” pot near blooming size)

New! This intriguing species is found throughout Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines in forests that are wet in summer, but very dry in winter. The spikes of pink to bright purple flowers emerge in late winter to spring, on leafless older canes, and sometimes in mid-summer near the tip of a recently matured leafy cane. The flowers have the unusual habit of all facing toward the upward side of the inflorescence, inspiring the common name in Indonesia that translates to “Toothbrush Orchid.” Each growth repeats flowering for several years, so mature plants can produce many flowers at once. There are numerous awards for plants carrying dozens of spikes and more than 1,000 flowers and older plants may flower more than once per year. Grow this orchid bright and very well watered from May through October, then gradually reduce watering in November and December. By winter, plants can stay dry for most part, with occasional light watering or misting to mimic dew and mist that might occur in the depth of the dry season in the wild. When new growths emerge from the base of the plant watering can be increased again. Den. secundum can tolerate a variety of temperatures from near freezing to 100F, but will flower even if kept above 60F year round. We are offering very nicely grown, near blooming size plants in 3.5” square pots with several nice canes. A few have already flowered for us in these pots. In cultivation, canes on mature plants will average 12 to 18 inches in length, generally with an arching habit.