Dendrobium bensoniae

Dendrobium bensoniae is a small to medium-sized species from Thailand, Myanmar, and Assam and grows as an epiphyte in deciduous forests up to 5,000 ft elevation. It has 8 to 12 inch deciduous canes but a mature plant has canes that can range from 12 to 28 inches long.

This species grows in intermediate to cool temperatures. In its native habitat, summers are warm and wet and the light is moderate. Water and fertilize regularly during active growth. The winters are bright and cool and temperatures can drop close to freezing on occasion, but low 50s °F to upper 40s °F is the norm. If temperatures are going to be low be sure that the plant is dry. Den. bensoniae needs a cooler and drier winter rest in order to bloom. Water should be decreased in the winter, but the plants should not be dry for extended periods of time. Lasting more than 2 months, the flowers are 2.5 inches big and crystalline-white with a bright yellow throat and two prominent maroon eyes; an abundance of flowers arise in late spring from mature, leafless canes in the spring. They are fragrant and have a scent of chocolate.  New growths are bright green and leafy, but it is normal for the leaves to turn yellow and fall off when the canes are mature.

Can be grown outdoors in area where winters are frost free and mild. Our seed-grown plants are mounted on textured faux black slab that has been treated to resist UV degradation. Mounting suits this species as its roots like to dry between watering. We grow these plants in our intermediate greenhouse and canes are short and plump. Grows well with all other nobile type Dendrobiums as it has similar requirements. This species is not often found in the marketplace. Highly recommended for the species collector.

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