The black hairy-stemmed Dendrobium!

Dendrobium infundibulum is one of the most spectacular species of it’s genus. It is medium sized and originates from the Chinese Himalayas across northern Myanmar and Thailand where it is found as an epiphyte in deciduous forests at altitudes up to 2300 metres and so it is cultivated as a cool growing. It has large flowers (about 10cm in diameter) which are attractively veined reminiscent of a moth’s wing and with beautiful yolk-yellow centres. It blooms in abundance for me from January to October and currently my plant it has 16 blossoms! It does not require any special treatment although it is prone to red spider infestation and so I frequently spray it with water in summer. The plant has distinctive black hairy stems which can grow to one metre although mine thankfully seems to be a shorter clone. I bought the plant (see photo) from Burnham’s at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Orchid Fair about 6 years ago. Some of you have received keikis of this stunning orchid from me so you have something special awaiting you in the future. I thoroughly recommend it!