3 new growths over the span of 3 years, I meant to say

I have one of these too
but I have it almost full sun, unlike my other De4ns that are full sun, and potted in Aliflor
doing fantastic here
I recieved a piece from a friend who was growing it in a bit more shade then what I do, so I am aclimating it now myself
every day it gets just a bit more direct sun

Calvin,

I have Roy Tokunaga and Mini Snowflakes..both of which are grow in Phal conditions with cattleya light levels and both bloom and grow just fine..

I find these to be easy growers, for the most part.

I think your winter lighting might be an issue...as most of these plants bloom fall/winter. Maybe a nice light bank would help.

There's also the possibility that it's a crappy plant.

I got three of the same plant, once, and one of them completely refused to thrive. I had it in the same conditions as the other two, but it never got any bigger or healthier. It was stable for a year-ish, then proceeded to decline over four years until I chucked it.

If it's not a problem with lighting, you might want to consider getting another plant.

Dends are your friends...even the twisted ones.

Stacy

I have a Den macrophyllum and Den atroviolaceum - both Latourias. The macrophyllum hasn't bloomed after 3 years but is putting out new growths this year after I started letting the sphag in the plastic pot get bone dry before watering. Before, it was too wet, even though I underwater.

The atroviolaceum came in bloom this year. I repotted it into medium bark in a larger plastic pot and water it every day. Otherwise, the flowers start drooping.

The atroviolaceum is up against the S/SE window, under T8s. The macrophyllum is outside, also facing E/SE, 50% shade, and in the 2nd row from the front.

The macrophyllum may need more light to bloom, but at least it's not rotting anymore.

Good luck, Whitecat8

Dunno if this will help, but here's info from FCOS (Five Cities Orchid Society, CA):

LATOURIA
Leaves at top of pseudobulbs are large and leathery, inflorescence erect, flowers commonly yellow-green.

Species such as Den. atroviolaceum, Den. macrophyllum and Den. spectabile.

Culture Same as antelope types, but cooler and drier when resting in winter.

SPATULATA (Antelope type)
Evergreen for several years. Most are large, vigorous plants with long-lasting flowers in summer to several times a year.

Species such as Den. antennatum, Den. canaliculatum, Den. discolor, Den. gouldii, Den. johannis, Den. lineale (veratrifolium), Den. stratiotes, Den. strebloceras and Den. taurinum.

Culture Warm all year (60 to 65 F nights, 75 to 90 F days); no rest period; can be kept cooler in winter if dry; medium to high light.

Also, this Forum post on Dens doesn't address the Latouias specifically, but I was asking what "drier in winter" means and got useful definitions:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/orchids/msg0116501032244.html

Hope some of this helps.

WC8

Here is a link that might be useful: FCOS Culture Sheets

Thanks for the helpful advice! Perhaps I need to try the high-light thing again, one more time. It seems that sphag may be the best medium in my conditions - my phals will only grow in it, and I've even transfered my dend bigibbums to sphag. My fingers are crossed that it's not a crappy plant since I paid 20 bucks for it (and for me that's expensive for a plant!), not to mention my 3 years worth of wasted effort!

WC - I'll check out those links - thanks a bunch!

Hi there, I really think that your problem lies in two areas: light and temperature. This primary hybrid is the offspring of two New Guinea orchids and as such need quite high light levels D. macrophyllum is probably the stabilizing agent here, but even though it can grow at elevations of 1700 metres it likes quite high humidity, though drier in winter - water once a week in winter. I think light is your main problem these plants are from the Equator and are used to 12 - 14 hours of light a day with very little change in winter. The rot you mention is really a combination of cold and water - too cold AND too wet. I grow mine fairly dry in winter and then increase water and feed as the new shoots start to appear. Cheers

Ernest, good advice but why have you replied to posts that are eight years old?

Actually did not see the date until I had hit send :-) Cheers