Another 'bag baby' I bought with the addition to my brand new orchid shelving. This is actually my second Dend, but I never introduced the first because of its sickly, uninteresting state. This Dendrobium is a bit different than most; when you think Dend, you think canes. D. aggregatum has stubby pseudobulb-like growths that sustain it. I have read that it is finicky to bloom but can be coaxed by a long winter rest: no water whatsoever, regular strength sun, until the first signs of an inflorescence. The PBs will shrivel a bit but it is a small price to pay when the small, honey-scented sprays of blooms emerge. Pictures online of this Dend are absolutely beautiful.
My D. aggregatum was (like always with bag babies) potted in heavily decomposed bark. I also always seem to bring small spiders into the house with a purchase of a bag baby; never any other orchid. Nevertheless, I was surprised by the root health. There was a nice handful of freshly grown roots, still with green tips. I was highly put off by the loads of fertilizer pellets on top of the medium. Repotting was highly necessary, regardless.
I potted with my usual LECA coconut husk mix back into its old container. I modified the pot by placing extra holes for air and drainage. I am very excited for this plant in my collection and hope to remember about the 'long winter rest' trick for blooming. It is very attractive and healthy, even without blooms.
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