Dendrobium moniliforme 'Kaneyama Kongo' 金山金剛

Dendrobium moniliforme are miniature nobile type Dendrobiums with a wide Asian distribution found in China, the Western Himalayas, Nepal, the Eastern Himalayas; Assam, Myanmar, Vietnam, Korea, Ryukyus Islands and Taiwan.

For variegated types, the variegation can change in intensity of light and temperature. Typically cooler conditions create more colorful foliage.

Growing tips (there are 2 methods to grow these):

Method 1:

Do not fertilize often. Once per month is enough. In Japan, two 6 month small time-release pellets are applied in the spring only after flowering. Do not fertilize at all from November until after they have flowered. Pre-bloom season, they should be kept on the dry side with only light misting, as long as the conditions are cool (40 to 60 degrees). During this time, the mature canes will drop their foliage and form flower buds. Once in flower, start to water the plants and new foliage will appear from the base, which will start the grow cycle all over again. This method will create the most flowers for one bloom season.

Method 2:

Grow like any other orchid year-round and they will flower off an on in smaller spurts of flowers, and will remain ever-green in foliage. Be sure to keep the fertilizer light. Some who use tap water (not reverse osmosis etc) say the minerals in the tap water alone is plentiful for the plant.