Dendrobium × delicatum 'Wisley'

<em>Dendrobium</em> × <em>delicatum</em> 'Wisley' Valeria Valkova

Synonyms

Dendrobium Specio-kingianum gx 'Wisley'
Dendrobium × speciokingianum pink

Conservatory Greenhouse

An epiphytic, semi-evergreen orchid with long, cane-like, fleshy, green pseudobulbs, covered with thin, silvery sheaths. Two to five, dark green, thick, leathery leaves are alternately arranged near the top of each pseudobulb. Each lance-shaped leaf is 7-17cm long, and 3cm wide. Flowering stems up to 30cm long emerge from the axils of leaves on mature canes and carry clusters of white, 1cm small, fragrant flowers.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
Genus
Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves. Racemes or panicles of showy flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plants are best grown in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide dappled shade and higher humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, but cool room in autumn and winter. Cool growing plants require longer period of dormancy. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. Average temperatures are 16-24°C in summer and 10-16°C during winter. See indoor orchid cultivation

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes -remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are at least three, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.