On 2013-12-01 14:50:23 +0000, Bob Hobden said:

"sacha" wrote

Bob Hobden said:

"sacha" wrote...

I took my courage in both hands and bought one of these at Morrisons
yesterday for £10. Checking some info about it online, I see that M&S
are selling them for £40, so I'm quite pleased with that! It seems to
require light but not direct sunlight, not too warm and sparing
watering. It's on the landing windowsill, which faces east and is
probably one of the cooler rooms in the house, so I hope I manage to
keep it going. If anyone has any advice or tips I'd be grateful to hear
them. Are these especially tricky?

Dendrobium is a huge family so it depends what sort you have bought as
to the care needed.
Considering where you bought it I would expect it to be one of three types...
Dendrobium nobile hybrid. These flower along and straight out of the
stem or cane at the leaf nodes. Day 20°C, night above 13°C when
growing. Needs a dry cool (8°C) rest in winter to flower well and
bright diffused light and moisture when growing in the spring/summer to
make new canes, water from the top. Likes humidity and (orchid) feed
every other watering or a bit more when in full growth. Repot every two
or three years.
snip

Many thanks, Bob. By that description and doing a bit of Google image
searching, it sounds like Dendrobium nobile. I'll flag your post to
keep the info.

If you really want to know all about them this is the page....
http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/Den_Art.html
BUT don't let it frighten you, they are not that difficult as long as
you get the rest period right. Basically forget about them. Watch for
slugs and snails if growing under glass, IME these are the plants they
will go for when the plants have fresh young growth.

For now, it's in the house but when it's finished flowering, I may move
it into a greenhouse, so I'll bear the slug/snail thing well in mind!
Thanks, Bob.
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk