Introducing the Dendrobium lawesii var. bicolor 'Red Yellow' x Dendrobium lawesii var. 'Deep Red', an enchanting orchid species hailing from the misty forests of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Island. Known for its slender canes adorned with narrow leaves and vibrant, pendulous flowers, this orchid is a captivating addition to any orchid enthusiast's collection.
Native Habitat and Growth: Dendrobium lawesii thrives as an epiphyte in shaded conditions at elevations ranging from 2600 to 6600 feet. Its delicate flowers, occurring in clusters of up to six blooms along the cane, can emerge on both new and old growths, with old growths flowering for several years, making it a splendid specimen as it matures.
Cultivation Tips: To ensure optimal growth, provide intermediate conditions with moderate light, either in a potted environment using a bark mix or sphagnum moss and staked upright, or as a pendant plant when mounted. Maintain year-round moisture, and offer a dilute fertilizer, avoiding extended periods of dryness.
Native Range: Dendrobium lawesii is native to Bougainville Island and North Papua New Guinea, thriving in the shade on rainforest tree branches or lower branches in large shade.
Physical Characteristics: A medium-sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte, Dendrobium lawesii reaches heights of 25-45 cm. Its thin, flattened stems carry broadly ovate, fleshy leaves that overlap at the base, creating a visually appealing display.
Flowering: With a short raceme of 1-6 pendant, showy flowers, Dendrobium lawesii presents a striking array of colors including red, orange, purple, salmon, yellow, or white, with two-colored forms. The bell-shaped, changeable flowers, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter and 2.5 cm in length, add an elegant touch to any orchid collection.
Growing Conditions:
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Light: 12000-25000 lux, similar to Phalaenopsis requirements.
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Temperature: Day: 27-28 °C, Night: 15-18 °C, providing a daily difference of 10-12 °C.
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Humidity: 70-75% in summer and autumn, 65-70% in winter and spring, with a need for strong air movement.
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Substrate: Hanging pots or baskets with loose, quickly drying substrate, suitable for the hanging habit and air movement.
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Watering: Maintain permanent moisture without over-wetting, occasional morning sprays in clear weather.
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Fertilizer: Weekly or bi-weekly use of 1/4-1/2 dose of balanced orchid fertilizer.
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Rest Period: Slightly drier resting period to induce flowering, reducing water and fertilizer after maturity, with increased watering in spring.
It is important to mention that we don't have specific information regarding the flower color of this dendrobium species hybrid cross. However, this unpredictability adds an exciting element of surprise to the beauty of this plant.
We can provide you with details about the parent plants: Dendrobium lawesii var. bicolor 'Red Yellow' typically displays flowers with red and yellow hues, while Dendrobium lawesii var. 'Deep Red' is known for its deep red blossoms.
Given this hybridization, the bloom color of our Dendrobium lawesii could resemble one of the parent plants or be a unique combination of both. Each plant may exhibit distinct variations in bloom colors based on its seed genetics.
This is a blooming size in a 4" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!
This Dendrobium lawesii is a hybrid cross between var. bicolor 'Red Yellow' x var. 'Deep Red', with its captivating appearance and specific care requirements, offers orchid enthusiasts a unique and rewarding growing experience. Cultivate this orchid species to witness the stunning beauty that unfolds with each pendulous bloom.
