Dendrobium Orchids
- Botanical Name
- Dendrobium species
- Plant Type
- Evergreen orchid Size (HxW): 10-40cm x 5-20cm
- Depth & Spacing
- They are epiphytic and can be grown a number of ways. On bark, potted in orchid bark mix (they have a big root system so a tall pot is required) or in the crevice of a tree or rocks. They should not be put in potting mix or soil as they won’t have the drainage they require.
- Soil
- If you are attaching to bark or trees, use a little peat or sphagnum moss around the roots for protection and to keep them moist and cool and ensure you tie them tightly so they don’t blow away (this can be removed once it has taken root). In small pots use an Orchid bark, NB this is not Orchid potting mix - it is specifically bark. Ideal PH 7.
- Aspect
- Filtered light or semi-shaded areas with protection from the hot sun. The plant has some good indicators so you know you are getting it right; in too little light they will have dark leaves and not flower well; in too much sun the leaves will turn yellow/bleach.
- Climate
- Cool to Tropical. Ideal temperature range 20-30C.
- Frost
- Sensitive
- Water
- They resent wet feet, so water should not sit around the base, you are more likely to kill them with kindness than drought. If the pseudobulbs shrivel this is an indication they need water. Water every other day or so during summer, and every other week in winter, water deeply so it flows around the root system, allowing the bark to dry in between. Mounted specimens will need more regular watering than those in pots (less substrate). While they can survive arid conditions they will not thrive. Instead of watering, you could mist frequently. Humidity of 40-60% is ideal.
- Fertiliser
- Feed regularly with a well balanced liquid orchid fertiliser every few weeks spring/summer, particularly through the flowering period, it is not required in autumn/winter. They produce masses of flowers so need food to do it to their best ability. Do not use a fertiliser high in nitrogen.
- Flowering Time
- Spring to summer.
- After Flower Care
- Remove spent flowers to tidy, use sharp scissors or a knife to cut.
- Notes
- Gradually ‘repot’ when the potting bark starts to rot, as it will become acidic do so after flowering. Protect from aphids. Indoors, if they become infected with mealy bugs you could try soaking the plant and pot in the prescribed strength solution of Clensel and a dash of methylated spirits – but do a test patch first. They will offset plantlets with aerial roots from the cane, cut to divide as they become crowded.
