Growing & Care Dendrobium
Saturday, November 14th, 2009DENDROBIUM (den-DROH-bee-um) – Dendrobium orchids are called “Phalaenopsis type” because their flowers resemble those of the Phalaenopsis variety. Phalaenopsis type are evergreen, while other varieties of Dendrobiums shed their leaves in the fall and winter. Dendrobiums are also commonly used as cut flowers because of their sturdy stems and distinctive coloring.
Dendrobium is native to Southeast Asia, the genus dendrobium is one of the largest of all orchid groups. There are about 1,200 individual species, and they grow in all manner of climates, from hot, wet lowlands to high-altitude, colder mountains.
Temperature: The ideal day temperature is 75-85 °F, while the ideal night temperature is 60-65 °F. Occasional temperature extremes are tolerated if exposure is not prolonged.
Light: These dendrobiums enjoy full morning sun, but will require shading between 11am and 3pm – less shading will be needed in late afternoon. An overhead light source is most effective and a slight drop in nighttime temperature will often stimulate a bloom.
Water: During the growing season, dendrobiums like high humidity and lots of water. As with all orchids, the frequency of watering depends on your growing conditions, but at least every 2-3 days is a good idea during the summer. After the growing season, cut water back somewhat (maybe every ten days), but do not suspend watering.
Repot: Repot once every two years in Spring, after blooming, or when new growth starts. You may mix clay aggregate, perlite, and coconut fiber in the new pot.
Feeding: Normally feed once a week and heavily during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution containing lots of nitrogen, or use a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 at quarter strength with every watering. At the end of the growing season, reduce fertilizer by about half to help provoke a better bloom.
Blooming: These bloom for me throughout the year, depending on conditions. To help provoke a flower spike, slightly drop the water and nighttime temperature. Also, if a cane loses all its leaves, don’t cut it off—they sometimes bloom from old canes. The flowers are long-lasting, up to six weeks.