Dendrobium pendulum

Its already February and the first orchid to bloom for this year is my favourite dendrobium specie, D. pendulum. D. pendulum is one of those plant that is rarely seen in the collection compare to her sister plants from the same group like D. superbum, parishii and primulianum. In my opinion, this little gem offer more personalities and beauty than her cousins. Its relatively easy to grow and flower.

Pendulum produces growth in late December to February and the new growth will be mature by August to September. What set her apart from her cousins is the unusual cane which is swollen at the node like a large round doorknod. Once the plant shed the leafs for winter, the beauty of canes become more apparent which resemble like a miniature bonsai. The only other plant that can matches the beauty is Buddha's Belly Bamboo, Bambusa ventricosa, which also produce similar swollen node when the plant is under stress.

The flower produce at the node in group of 1-3 and up to 2" across that last up to 3 weeks or more. The bloom color is crystal white tipped in dark pink and a bright yellow throated lip that may or may not have two maroon eye disks. It require no winter chill and will perfectly bloom in am intermediate condition given a dry winter rest. You cannot ask for more perfect little orchid gem than D. pendulum.