Den. Golden Aya

Dendrobium Golden Aya is a classic nobile-type hybrid with a complex but fascinating family tree. It’s a cross between Dendrobium Golden Blossom and Dendrobium Aya. Digging deeper, its lineage travels back to the mountainous regions of Asia. Its great-grandparents include species like Dendrobium aureum and Dendrobium nobile from the Himalayas, Dendrobium findlayanum from Thailand and Laos, and the cold-hardy Dendrobium moniliforme from Japan. This ancestry from high-elevation habitats is the key to understanding its personality and its needs. It is built for seasons.

This is a sympodial orchid with upright, cane-like pseudobulbs that can reach about 12-18 in. tall. The canes are segmented, and along these segments grow thin, lance-shaped leaves during the spring and summer growing season. Come fall, the plant begins its transition to dormancy; the leaves will yellow and drop from the mature canes. Don't panic, this is completely normal! This signals the plant is ready for its cool, dry winter rest. Following this rest, clusters of two to three waxy, long-lasting flowers, each about 2-3 in. across, erupt directly from the nodes along the now leafless canes. It’s a spectacular sight to see these bare stems burst into brilliant color.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide very bright, indirect light, especially during the summer growing season. Some direct morning sun is beneficial. Insufficient light is a primary reason for failure to bloom.

Water: Water and fertilize heavily during the active growing period (typically spring through summer) when new cane growth is visible. Allow the potting medium to approach dryness between waterings. In the late fall, as growth matures, drastically reduce watering. During the winter rest period, provide only enough water to keep the canes from shriveling excessively, perhaps a light misting or a small amount of water every few weeks. Resume regular watering only after flower buds have formed.

Temperature: This orchid requires seasonal temperature variation to thrive and bloom. During the summer growing season, it prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F. For a successful winter rest and to initiate flower buds, it requires a cool, dry period with nighttime temperatures dropping to 45-55°F.

Humidity: Aim for 50-70% humidity. Good air movement is essential to prevent rot, especially during cooler periods.

Potting Medium: Use a very open, fast-draining medium. Medium-grade fir bark, lava rock, or charcoal are excellent choices. Nobile-type Dendrobium prefer to be under-potted in small containers that allow their roots to dry quickly. Mounting on cork or tree fern is also a suitable option. Repot only when necessary, typically after flowering and just as new growth begins.

TPlease note as with all deciduous orchid varieties, its leaves will yellow and fall off when buds are forming and blooming.  Eventually, the canes will be bare of leaves when in full bloom. Please see this fascinating article by the American Orchid Society for further information:

https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/orchid-care-basics/deciduous-orchids

Grown in 4" pots, currently offered in blooming size only.