Dendrobium senile

Description

Dendrobium senile (The white-haired Dendrobium; section Formosae) is a super-fuzzy miniature from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos.  This guy has the benefit of looking cool even when he is leafless and flowerless because the canes are covered with a thick layer of white fuzz.  The other orchids call him “Grandpa.”  If that doesn’t sell you, the flowers will because they look totally fake.  Bright yellow, lemon-scented, and super waxy, the flowers appear in summer, and they are long-lasting.

Interestingly, Jay Pfal says Dendrobium senile is best grown potted; however, I have only ever seen them mounted.  In addition, they are described as a lithophyte (rock-grower) which further suggests mounting.  These warm to cool growing guys should be protected from summer sun, but can take more light in the winter. As with most (all?) Dendrobiums, give him plenty of water in the summer, much less in winter.