Mm, I'm not so sure about that either, Richard. I think it's called that because the flowers look like Phals but they are on a Dendrobium plant. Dendrobiums come in a lot of different types called "sections" that have differing cultural needs but they are generally more like Cattleyas than Phals.

Thats what the grower told me when I asked them. They dont have any reason tonlie that I know of. Just foing hy WHAT I AM TOLD.

Listen to Elaine!
It is not a cross! They are two different genera, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.

I'm sure they're not lying. That's what they think it is. Not everybody that works at an orchid growing facility is knowledgeable, though. Just like you don't want to take the word of all the staff at a nursery. Some of them are just workers.

My favorite orchids book says "Dendrobiums of the section Phalaenanthe are usually referred to as Phalaenopsis type". They need a lot more light than Phals and less moisture. You don't want to assume that one type of orchid is related to another because their care can be drastically different. There are many thousands of kinds of orchids.

Ursula said:Listen to Elaine!
It is not a cross! They are two different genera, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.

ursala, i know they are different genera. I feel that i am being called a lair here cause i just went with what they told me of what it was. I am here to learn and gain knowledge like others here. I dont need that and unfortunately i dont think i will be back. Have to much other stuff going on.

Nobody called you a liar, Richard. You were told something incorrect by the person at the grower's. Not your fault.

If you are here to learn, you need to be receptive, not defensive. We are trying to help you learn, that's all.

What Elaine says is true. These growers have help to do the watering, etc. that know nothing about the plants . I find the same is true at nurseries. Even the orchid growers that grow multiple types have different people that work in different green houses. I have talked to these folks at shows, and if you ask about a specific plant, I've been told " that's not my section, so I don't know". We're in an age of specialization, unfortunately.

Well I just took in a lesson ....I had no clue what a Dendrobium bigibum was....I imagined a big bad looking flower you know bigibum and all I thought I would see a big bum flower...It is beautiful !!!

I grow it, Jeff. Mine is Den. bigibbum var compactum. It always looks a bit unruly, but it grows and flowers without a problem. It is a nice warm grower!

Hi everyone, I am new here to the forums. I would like to get into orchids, but never have grown or taken care of them Any advice for someone who is just starting out. I am located in Santa Fe NM.

Hi santafeorchid!
If you click on the 'Orchids forum' link just below here..there's a great bit of information in the 'Welcome ' thread..and if you go to the very first page of this thread there are a bunch of links there as well. a few of our members live in similar conditions to you and I'm sure they will chime in with specific helpful tips to get you off on the right foot. We have a few very active threads where you will find what we all have in bloom this month, what we have just bought or interesting greenhouses and orchid shows we may have visited... poke around a bit and come on in!

Richard, whether you come back or not is no skin off my nose but it seems strange to me that you are angry at the person who told you the truth instead of the one who didn't. Every time you have asked a question here, you have received a prompt and honest answer. Isn't that the reason you posted here in the first place?

Jim

Ursula said:I grow it, Jeff. Mine is Den. bigibbum var compactum. It always looks a bit unruly, but it grows and flowers without a problem. It is a nice warm grower!

I think they are beautiful Ursula ? What color are the flowers on yours?

Hi Santafeorchid !! I'm new also and would you believe it I already have 9 Orchids...There are some great people here..Maybe we can learn together...

Jeff, I have a 'baby' from Ursula of her Den. bigibbum var.compactum that is just putting out a spike. It has lovely delicate little purple flowers. Nothing "big" or "bum" about it at all. Btw, orchid names seldom make much sense . . . and they change all the time, too.

Welcome, santafeorchid. Hope we can help you with a new obsession here! It's tough but not impossible to grow orchids in places with low humidity like Santa Fe. Most orchids do love their high humidity.

Welcome, Santafe. My advise is for you to look for a local orchid club and/or a local vendor or two and find out what variety of orchids do well in your area. Also find out what tricks are used to keep the humidity up. There are some orchids that like to grow on the dry side but it is best to talk with the locals before setting your parameters.

Jim

You are not kidding Elaine !!! I've done a considerable amount of reading here...The names game is serious business in the Orchid World I'm seeing..I read Jim's thread half a dozen times.. It makes sense but Wow !!! I think for the time being I'm going to try keeping what I have alive...Names will come I would imagine in the future...

Thanks Elaine! Jeff, I will pull out a bigibbum picture. I noticed mine is budding right now....

Later on,
here is a pic from the last blooming cycle in the Fall last year.

That's a nice one, Ursula.

Jim

Thanks. This one should do well in your area, Jim!