Den. Hilda Poxon is a primary hybrid between two spectacular species from Australia—Den. tetragonum and Den. speciosum var. compactum. Den. tetragonum is found in New South Wales and northern Queensland, Australia in humid ravines or gullies at elevations from 1,600 to 4,000 feet. The peculiar 4" to 10" pseudobulbs are spindle shaped length-wise and have a quadrangle (i.e., four angles) cross-section. Up to 5 very fragrant flowers bloom from spikes that arise near the apex of the pseudobulb. The inflorescence can rebloom over several flowering periods so do not remove any old inflorescence. It can also bloom from the nodes of old and new mature pseudobulbs. The spidery, sweet-scented flowers are approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in length, pale green or cream-colored to yellow with vivid red markings. Den. speciosum v. compactum is the compact variety of the Australian species speciosum, therefore they do not get as large and remain compact (often under 6-8 inches), making it perfect for growing under lights or on a windowsill. Dozens of small, highly fragrant, white flowers appear on long spikes in spring resembling a foxtail. Culture is similar to its relative Den. kingianum. It is very heat and cold tolerant and can take temperatures as high as 100°F, and as low as 32°F for a brief period of time. It can tolerate full sun though it is best to provide some shading to avoid leaf burn.
Den. Hilda Poxon possesses the best qualities from both parents. It is compact, very floriferous, blooms from old and new mature pseudobulbs. It is weather tolerant, which means it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can be grown and flower outdoors in areas that have mild winters such as South Florida. It can be grown in a pot, on a mount (or tree), or in a basket with good drainage. Good air circulation and humidity throughout the year is recommended. Let dry between thorough watering. It needs a drier winter rest period with cooler night-time temperatures in order to boom. Do not fertilize during the rest period. Highly recommended for lovers of unusual orchids, windowsill or underlight growers, and lovers of fragrant orchids.
#dendrobium #fragrant #floriferous #windowsill #underlights #weather-tolerant
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a Seedling Population (not a Mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.