Dendrobium lindleyi The minature orchid Dendrobium lindleyi has spectacular pendant blooms. The mianature orchid Dendrobium lindleyi has spectacular pendant blooms. Almost everyone enjoys blooming plants when it’s cold and grey (or maybe white) outside. Dendrobium lindleyi (formerly D. aggregatum var. majus and often still referred to by that name) is a relatively small species of epiphytic orchid from the mountains of Southeast Asia. Native to deciduous forests from northeast India to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and southern China, it produces spectacular showers of golden flowers. Dendrobium lindleyi has thick pseudobulbs, each with a single leaf. Dendrobium lindleyi has thick pseudobulbs, each with a single leaf. Unlike other dendrobiums, this dwarf or miniature orchid does not produce tall canes but instead has short, thick, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs – the thick, bulb-like stems that store water – clumped closely together at the bases. Each 2″ long pseudobulb is covered with a thin, papery covering and the tissue beneath should have a reddish cast if the plant is receiving sufficient light. The pseudobulb tapers slightly near the top, bearing a single, leathery leaf. The short, thick, ellipical leaves 1-3″ long have a slight crease down the middle. The leaves will be dark green when shaded but lighter in color with more sun exposure. They also do not drop their leaves like some of the tall cane dendrobium orchids do. Flower spikes produce multiple flowers (L), 1 wide flowers with a flat face (R). Flower spikes produce multiple flowers (L), 1 wide flowers with a flat face (R). Flower spikes start growing from the pseudobulb in late winter. It takes several weeks for the thin stalk to elongate and buds to open. The arching to pendant raceme grows 4-12″ long and generally has 10-20 flowers. Plants can be completely surrounded by bright yellow flowers in mid-spring, with the flowers taking up more space than the entire plant when in full bloom. Plants are best staged on a shelf or set on some sort of low pedestal (such as an upturned pot) to allow the gracefully cascading flower clusters to hang down for the best appearance. The individual 1″ wide flowers have a flat face with rounded petals (reminiscent of pansies) that are bright golden- to yellow-orange with a deeper colored lip. Position blooming plants where their flower spikes can cascade down. Position blooming plants where their flower spikes can cascade down. The color deepens as the flowers age. The flowers have a faint, beeswax- or honey-like fragrance which is most pronounced in the early morning and early evening. They may last from a week to a month, depending on the temperature and humidity. The inflorescences will not rebloom, so should be but off once they are dried up. D. lindleyi needs bright light year-round and warm to intermediate conditions (similar to the optimal conditions for cattleyas) during the growing season, with plenty of water. This species will not bloom if it does not receive sufficient light. It also needs a dry winter rest for several weeks or months in order to bloom. The plant can be successfully grown in a home as long as there is a bright space that remains cool in winter. But it will not flower if nights stay above 60ºF from about December to February. If these conditions can be met, D. lindleyi is a very rewarding species to grow. It’s best to neglect the plants beginning in late fall: starting in November, keep them cooler at night (50-60ºF) and don’t water at all unless the pseudobulbs become extensively shriveled, and then water should be provided only sparingly. A large plant covered with blooms. A large plant covered with blooms. Some shriveling (pseudobulbs deeply wrinkled or furrowed) is normal and the plants will plump up quickly once watering is resumed in the spring. Begin watering again once the flower buds appear. This species should be fertilized heavily during the growing season (as much as weekly with ½ strength high-nitrogen fertilizer), but all fertilizer should be withheld during the winter rest. It has few pests, but spider mites can sometimes infest the plants. This species is well-suited to being mounted on bark or cork where sufficient humidity can be maintained year-round. Otherwise it adapts well to normal orchid culture in a small pot. These plants can be divided when clumps outgrow their container, but each division should have 5 to 9 pseudobulbs. It may take a season or two for the divisions to establish and begin blooming again. By now, you realize that I sell some pretty cool stuff. not teenie seedlings and divisions. this is stuff that you WANT in your collection and don't want to wait for it to look cool. Always new stuff, always happy customers, always fun at Machiela's If your plant is described as in bud or bloom, please know that we will do our best to get the flower to you intact. We, of course cannot guarantee live flowers on delivery. That would be impossible! Your best bet is to assume you are buying an orchid PLANT….. not a flower. That way, no obe disappointed.  I personally hand pick the best plants to offer up to the eBay community for you to enjoy. Check my feedback & see. I have been an orchid seller on eBay since 1998.  Machiela's Orchids is proud of a history of growing and selling MHM not satisfied. Simply email us and we will do everything possible to make you happy. If there is an issue with your order, please contact us within 48 hours for resolution. Shipping: $8 USPS Priority WE COMBINE SHIPPING!!!! Each additional plant is one $2 to ship! Orchid supplies can be combined too! As me for a quote. I try to make my shipping charges as close to actual as possible. Email me when you are ready to check out and I will give you an invoice for the total. I do not use heat packs, they can cause more damage than not. Email me if you would like more information.  Wondering how to care for your new orchids?  Check out our Care Sheets!