PO Box 24425 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307 US
Crumenatum section
Cultural Information
SPECIES:
Plants in this group can be grown several ways as well. Some seem to like a lot less fussing over like crumenatum. This one can grow just as well whether you throw it on the ground or pot it up. It will grow and bloom in any amount of light higher than Phalaenopsis light. Others do well in either light as well, though it completely changes their growth structure and flower quality, as it does with most orchids. Den faciferum will bloom and grow as well but in lower light, growths are extremely elongated and leggy, flowers are more spaced our on the stems and are much lighter or duller in color. In more light to full sun canes and stems are shorter, flowers are closer together and more are produced with deeper and more vibrant color. As with any plant, with more light/sun, the more water will be required.
Potting or Mounting: These plants can be grown well either mounted or potted. Most of the common species mentioned do very well mounted. My gerlandianum however did a lot better when grown in a small plastic Vanda basket with sphagnum moss. The moss kept moisture longer and allowed the plant to thrive more in my opinion. My junceum did not like the plastic Vanda basket method but did much better just mounted. I have seen faciferum mounted but the growths just aren't as prolific. The plant above was grown in a plastic pot with sphagnum moss in full sun. It was the first Den. faiferum to receive a flower quality award AM/AOS. During judging, judges said that they have never seen a color for that bright and vibrant. Other suppliers have since started growing in more light/sun and getting them awarded as well.
Light: Anywhere from light higher than for Phalaenopsis to full sun, but the more light given, the more water needed. Acclimating plants to more sun is always recommended.
Water: These plants like an abundance f water during their active growing period and less to a dry period in winter. If they get a bit more water in winter it usually won't harm them or change blooming habits. just make sure that they are drier if the temperature is cooler.
Fertilizer: for most of the year stopping in the winter months.
Section Descriptions
Shown above - Dendrobium faciferum 'Other Worlds' AM/HCC/AOS
Section Crumenatum is characterized by the long, slender basally swollen stems carrying fleshy overlapping leaves that bloom from usually single flowered, though some multi-flowered, inflorescences on the apical elongate leafless stems. Flowers are short lived and are typically brought on by a temperature drop. Most can bloom more than once a year.
Common species in cultivation are: crumenatum, faciferum, gerlandianum, junceum, odoratum, truncatum