DETAILS OF CUT DENDROBIUMS

With their graceful form and myriad colors, cut dendrobium orchids add sophistication to all arrangements, from the everyday to the extravagant. Consistent in quality, Hawaii dendrobiums offer enough variation to suit every floral need.

  • Blossom size: 2-1/8 to 2-3/4 inches, height and width
  • Blossoms per spray: 14 to 22, corresponding to stem length
  • Stem length: 17 to 28 inches
  • Vase life: 12 to 18 days

Here Are Tips To Extend The Dendrobium's Beauty:

  • Upon receipt, hold stems under water and trim 1/2 inch from the end. Submerge entire sprays in room temperature water for 5 to 10 minutes to maximize rehydration.
  • Use only the standard amount of preservative in the vase water. Recut stems and change water every three days.
  • Store flowers in the refrigerator above 45 degrees F.
  • Mist daily.

"Uniwai" (University of Hawaii) refers to orchid cultivars developed from a particular breeding pattern.

Colors

Pure White
Pure White
White, Pink Blush
White, Purple Lip
Lavendar and White
Dark Purple-Violet
Light Purple-Violet

Popular Varieties

Availability

    Apr. - Dec.
    Apr. - Dec.
    Apr. - Dec.
    Sept. - Jan.
    Apr. - Dec.
    Apr. - Dec.
    Apr. - Dec.

Ordering Up New Orchids

Developing new dendrobium orchids is a delicate discipline. In Hawaii, here's how it works.

The University of Hawaii initiated research on breeding dendrobiums for commercial cut flower production in 1966. Today, growers and the university work together to analyze and prioritize orchid research program objectives, which are to:

  • produce attractive flower sprays in an array of colors
  • develop new potted orchid varieties
  • bolster disease resistance
  • increase yields
  • obtain year-round flowering
  • improve the vase life of cut sprays

New breeding material is acquired in three ways: by cloning, seed (from cross-pollination) and gathering plants from all corners of the earth and private collections.

"New university cultivars are introduced to growers via their commodity associations," says Dr. Ken Leonhardt of the University of Hawaii. "The breeding, cultivation and commercial production process can total four to six years -- sometimes longer."

To date, the University has developed 24 cut and potted dendrobiums that are on the market. The result? Desirable dendrobium varieties that are unique to Hawaii -- varieties developed nowhere else on earth.

 

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