Dendrochilums

Dendrochilum longispicatum

Sentinel became interested in this group about 8 years ago. We purchased a block of what is now identified as magnum and were hooked. The state of the taxonomy of this group is not very clear except for those species which have very distinctive characteristics. We have bloomed what appear to be many variations, sub-varieties, or even similar appearing to what we think are common species. We hear that a new taxanomic treatise is in preparation and we hope it will clear the uncertainties. In any case, it is the one group we do not get apoplexy over if a plant comes in incorrectly labeled or not labeled. We recommend that you acquire them for their charm and interest. The inflorescence is normally wheat sheath like. Flower range in size from 3/4" to 1/8". Flowers generally last from one to three weeks and plants can be in flower for two months.

The large growing group (bicallosum, cobbianum, filiforme, glumaceum, magnum, longispicatum, etc.) can be real weeds. They love to be repotted each year, but do not seem to mind to go two years. We find a good time to repot is one to two months prior to the new growths showing. Remove all dead bulbs, divide if necessary to encourage plant to form growths in a full circle. It may take two to three pottings and some crimping to shape correctly, but it will be worth the effort. Use open mix - they seem to like the addition of the expanded shale pellets. Plastic pots work well. Be sure not to over pot. It is better to keep moving the plants up one pot size then try to make it fill out a pot too large. Moderate to bright light, lots of water and fertilizer.

Dendrochilum cobbianum. These are highly selected varieties and flowering sized plants.
Fall and late Winter to Spring flowering types. Compact attractive plants to 14" in height. Pendent chains of up to 70 white, light green, chartreuse, yellow and creamy yellow 1/2" - 11/16" flowers. Fragrance of new mown hay. Very easy to grow and bloom.

'Yellow Sentinel'. Prolific grower, large flowered to 11/16". Yellow flower with darker yellow lip. Rare and unusual for broad segments and darker yellow flaring on sepals and petals. $50.00.
'Sentinel's Poco'. Miniature, very prolific form. Cream flowers,yellow lip. $50.00.
'Chartreuse Sentinel'. Sturdy succulent leaves. Large 3" bulbs. Large, broad segmented flowers. $50.00
'Fat Leaf'. Turgid long leaves. Flowers chartreuse with yellow lip. $50.00
'Sentinel 1'. 5/8" all yellow. $45.00.

Dendrochilum filiforme 'Mt. Cuba'. $35.00. Small divisions.
We waited for divisions of this one. The mother plant received a 98 point CCM. One inch bulbs and 6" leaves. Semi-miniature. Forms tight clumps. Lots of golden yellow chains.

Dendrochilum glumaceum. $30.00
Spring flowering. Very easy to flower with white flowers with pleasant open stance and yellow to orange lips. 'Broad Leaf', 'White Ring', 'OHG', 'White with Orange Lip', 'Orange and White Ring', 'Orange Lip'. 3 1/2" - 4" pots.

SPECIAL: Dendrochilum magnum. 4 - 6 bulb $45.00. Larger plants $80.00.
This is a group of the highest quality magnums that I have seen. The true monarch of Dendrochilums. Attractive plants with bulbs and leaves to 25". Pendulous inflorescences have 15" of blooms - 90 flowers. 3/4" flowers start out chartreuse, change to lemon yellow and then golden orange. Contrasting greenish-white hoods. Commonly makes two new growth per bulb. These plants have been carefully worked on for many years and are in perfect condition. Fragrance of honey and spice. Flowers August - September. 'Sentinel's Yellow Pearls', Sentinel's Lemon Drops', Sentinel's Lemon', 'Sentinel's Golden Gems', Sentinel's Spectacular' . 4'' - 6".

Dendrochilum magnum sub-variety 1. $40. - $50.00.
Smaller growing than magnum. Not flowerer this form yet. 4".

Dendrochilum ‘unknown species’. $50.00
Labeled 5/96 for now. Will try and key out. 18 or more 5/8” (1.5 cm) chartreuse flowers. White column cap and two side lobes. Flowers smell like tape and cardboard(?).

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