Mark have some Dendrobium kingianum keikis to trade...any interest?

For years I had this orchid indoors in a west facing window and in medium grade fir bark. I wasn't sure of the species. Once I found out the species and did some research, I figured the solution was outdoor growing in almost full sun and leaving it outdoors here all year long. I also switched to fine fir bark. The species apparently needs a period of cool weather to set blooms and our local lows that average in the mid 40's at night in winter and can dip below freezing, 30-32 on occasion in Dec and Jan, was perfect. Before full sun and cool winters it was rangey and had quite a few keikis. But as you see, now it doesn't. Maybe that's the solution to your all-keiki non bloomer? Full sun and kept out in fall until it chills some? In cooler climes I read that a lot of hobby growers keep the plant in unheated basements or up against windows to chill down and trigger blooming.

Hi tee530: Yes, I will update on this thread. My 1st year with kingianum too. I would love to know how yours progress as well. If my buds turn out to be flowers, I'll post pictures [my camera cannot zoom to take clear shots of the small buds right now]. Buds are dark purple and shaped like elongated (skinny) Hershey kisses, 1/4" long. I had thought these buds might be keiki's because the new pseudobulb growths all started out as somewhat purplish spurs from the base of the plant - except much larger. I see you're in MA too. My kingianum came indoors Nov 1. It was a wet autumn here as you know. While outside all October, I left all the watering work to rain. Now they're indoors in a "cool" windowsill (~50-55F). I do not mist (probably should). Instead I let the clay pot base touch distilled water and let capillary action work for 20-30 minutes or sprinkle the top of media very lightly 1x a week. It's in 100% red lava rock. I think misting is a great idea actually, if only to control for spider mites. alvin

This orchid is known as the pink rock orchid. Granite, Sandstone,whatever... I do not think it makes any difference. You can grow it on a mount, or in a bark and pebble mix. It is adapted to survive drought and the only problem away from the climate of South East Australia is to provide the blooming triggers. On average, late winter/early spring is drier. but heavy rain can fall at any time of year. So, maybe a bit of a dip in temperature is all you need. Find a copy of the Late Wilford Neptune's notes, he grew them to perfection somewhere in NE USA.