Want an orchid that blooms like sunshine on a string? Dendrobium lindleyi turns heads with its golden waterfall of flowers!"

 

If it's one thing that I look forward to is the few showery spells during our dry season here in Trinidad and Tobago. The dry season starts around mid to the end of January and runs to somewhere around mid-May to beginning of June. 

These odd showers trigger bud formation in Citrus, Frangipani (Plumeria) and certain orchids such as Dendrobium ( Den. anosmum , Den. Pierardii  and  Dendrobium  lindleyi )Coelogyne spp. to name a few.

Dendrobium lindleyi  is a relatively small plant with a big impact. It lights up my garden space like a burst of sunshine on a stem. This orchid is a showstopper with golden blooms cascading like a waterfall.  It's like the plant is throwing its own golden confetti!

I'm loving the bright yellow blooms of Dendrobium lindleyi and wanted to share some insights on this beautiful orchid that's currently in bloom in my garden:

 Watering:

This orchid is so easy to grow and requires little attention.  So far, I've had annual success with restricting water during February to Mid-March and then restarting the watering schedule from Mid-March.  Flowering spikes start emerging early April and by Mid-April, just after its dry rest period, blooms start to appear........

 I keep the plant well-watered during the growing season, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings. 

Fertilizer

 I use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) every month during active growth and cut back or stop during its rest period.

 Light

Bright, indirect light is essential. This orchid loves filtered sunlight and can tolerate some gentle morning sun, but not harsh afternoon rays as strong direct sunlight can literally scorch the somewhat fleshy leaves.

Potting Medium
Mounting on bark or tree fern is ideal, but it can also grow in a well-draining mix like coarse bark. I used cut pieces of coconut husk in clay pots or hanging wire baskets.

Flowering
Expect a breathtaking flush of bright yellow blooms on pendulous spikes. Each flower lasts about two weeks.

Pests and Diseases
Watch out for scale and spider mites. Good air circulation and regular checks keep most problems at bay.

Dendrobium lindleyi (also known as Dendrobium aggregatum) is a tropical showstopper that rewards patience with stunning displays. 

If you own a plant or plants of Den. lindleyi, why not share some photos of them in bloom in the comment section. 

🌿 Happy gardening! 🌼

 The Grey-Haired Gardener!