Orchid of the day: Dendrobium jenkensii

Dendrobium jenkensii

A) Two orchids on one tree fern, March 16th, 2015.

I wrote a post about the 'mystery' orchid growing on top of our Dendrobium jenkensii on March 16th, 2015. In photo (A), I wrote the 'mystery orchid as a Pleurothallis ghiesbreghtiana but an orchid expert corrected me that it it a Stelis quadrifida. I found at the time, the Stelis quadrifida fascinating and I felt I've convinced Arne to separate it from this tree fern and re-locate it. Hopefully we can enjoy the beauty of these two different orchids as they bloom at their optimal times. 

B) April 26th. Don't know how I missed but our Dendrobium jenkensii bloomed!

Roughly one month later, our Dendrobium jenkensii was flowering. We might have to wait a few more weeks before we can 'try' to relocate the Stelis quadrifida to another home.

C) A close up of the flowers above. Four buds still waiting to open.

I've asked Arne to put a little something about our Dendrobium jenkensii this time. He was so happy to see the buds developing as we have fewer flowers last year (see post February 2nd, 2014). He was a little worried this year because it didn't flower in February!

"Dendrobium jenkinsii belong to the Dendrobium section Callista.  They all want a warm summer with a lot of light and water but when fall arrives, water should be reduced to almost nothing but the plants should still receive a lot of light.  Then they need a period of cold temperatures for a month or two, still with a lot of light.   If all this works out they flower profusely in spring with a cascade of yellow flowers.  Needless to say they are all very tricky to get to flower, probably the trickiest that I know.  Dendrobium jekinsii is one of the most difficult, but its larger brother/sister Dendrobium lindley is even worse.  Nevertheless, they are worth all efforts." by Arne.

D) April 26th. A little closer now.

E) April 29th, 2015. They sure look good this year.

F) This photo clearly shows the contrast between the Stelis quadrifida on top, (minus the flowers), and the Dendrobium jenkensii at the bottom (with all its blooms).

I hope you've enjoyed my post today. I have been quite busy but have not stopped taking photos of our orchids. When I get a free moment, I'll post more. And I'd like to conclude by wishing you all 'Happy Memorial Day'.