Don't leave them in a tray of water as that can rot the roots. You can use the sprays to use as cut flowers for arrangements. Care for Dendrobium Nobile indoors is not as simple as caring for some tropical orchids with less seasonal variation in temperature. Summer give warmth (60 to 90 F), medium light, medium quantities of water and fertilizer. Maintain high light during this period and reduce watering to just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. If it feels wet, wait to water until it has dried out slightly. Grow warm year round with night temperatures of 60F (15C). To offer correct Dendrobium care, you will need to consider your plant's natural environment. Dendrobium orchids grow in a very many different habitats, so it is impossible to generalise their requirements. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. It is important to pay attention to how your plant responds to the conditions in which you are keeping it. Evergreen, these orchids will become deciduous if grown too cool and dry. Dendrobium orchids are epiphytic or lithophytic in the wild, which means they grow attached to other plants (typically trees) or on rocks and stones. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Registered 501(c)(3). De Gruyter Open, 2014, Hachadourian, Marc. primulinus and Den. Want Garden Inspiration? Pour more tree bark around the root system of Orchids of this type are often referred to as 'soft cane'. Be sure the pot does not sit in water as this will rot the roots. It is important that you get detailed care information for your certain type of Dendrobium because the care can greatly vary depending on the type you have. Water and fertilize heavily when roots appear from new growth. spectabile. Low humidity can also cause leaves to dry up and turn brown. After the flowers fade, they can be clipped off where they join the canes, but don't cut off old canes, as they store nutrients and water to keep the orchid healthy. Fungal and Bacterial Diseases of Dendrobiums are common because of the levels of humidity they need to survive. dicuphum and Den. This is a good time to look closely at your plant for any sign of insects or disease. Canes have the potential of producing several sprays from the upper leaf axils. Generally easy to care for, and therefore very popular. When watering, place the plant in the sink and use tepid water. Fertilizer How often to water depends on the potting media used, the type of pot (plastic or clay), and the size of the pot. Can dendrobium orchids be grown outdoors? The ideal humidity range to grow your Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is 50-60 % humidity. It is important to pay attention to how your plant responds to the conditions in which you are keeping it. schuetzii. When the blooms are done, cut the sprays just where they meet the canes. Diseases are not common with dendrobiums, but excessive watering may cause root rot. They boast one to five flowers per node of the leafless canes in midwinter through early spring. Some are deciduous and drop their leaves in the fall, and some hold on to their leaves year-round. 1. There are over 1200 recognised species of Dendrobium orchids and the floral trade has created an abundance of hybrids. During the growing season, these plants like moisture but shouldn't sit in a saturated medium. They include species such as Den. Before repotting, you should always remove all of the old potting medium and trim away the damaged roots with a sterile cutting tool. Dendrobium spatulata orchids (Antelope Type) are hot, tropical, evergreen orchids, usually large and vigorous with long-lasting flowers in summer to several times a year. Repotting should be done only as the mix breaks down (every 2 to 3 years) or as the plant outgrows the pot or once the potting medium remains soggy and no longer drains properly. This culture information is for the phalenopsis-type dendrobiums pictured above. Be sure to let the plant drain completely. Because they are usually large plants in relatively small pots, watering twice a week is about average. Then give high light, little or no water, no fertilizer, cool nights, 55F (12C). Read our. There are over 1200 recognised species of Dendrobium orchids and the floral trade has created an abundance of hybrids. across (10 cm), and wonderful when in bloom. Over-watering is more harmful to dendrobium orchids than under-watering. Dendrobiums can withstand hot weather if adequate ventilation and humidity are provided. Choose a suitable orchid potting medium which can be locally made available, mostly containing Peat moss, Perlite, Fir bark, Pine Bark, Charcoal or Cocopeat as a whole or as Ingredients. They are considered warm-house plants by growers, meaning they favour conditions in a warm greenhouse. Choose a suitable orchid potting medium which can be locally made available, mostly containing Peat moss, Perlite, Fir bark, Pine Bark, Charcoal or Cocopeat as a whole or as Ingredients. Note this is the default cart. But indoors they'll likely need to be by your brightest windowpreferably a south-facing windowto bloom well. Same cultural growing requirements as the antelope types, but cooler and drier when resting in winter. Here are 12 of the most popular orchids commonly available Aside from their beauty, some orchids exude a wonderful Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. If your plant has at least four canes that are bearing healthy leaves, you can divide it. If you are an AOS member, you also save 5% from every vendor. This plant should be kept moist during the growing season. Care are and Growth Information of Nobile Type and Other Dendrobium Species will be detailed in separate posts. affine, Den. falconeri, Den. All rights The bark should reach the base of the orchid stems. Group 1:Includes species such as Den. macrophyllum and Den. friedricksianum, Den. It likes a warm bright environment, and regular feeding during the growing period; the winter rest period does not need a significant temperature drop to encourage flowering, though feeding should stop, and watering should be reduced; perhaps replaced by misting, unless the leaves or canes start to shrivel. Fungal agents cause problems like root rot, leaf spots, leaf blights and distortion in flowers. Needs a dry resting period during the winter months. Fertilization should be eliminated until spring, when more watering is undertaken. Dendrobium orchids can be divided into two distinct types, the 'Hard Cane' plants, typified by Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, and the 'Soft Cane' species, typified by Dendrobium Nobile. These bloom several times throughout the year, depending on conditions. When re-potting, use a small pot; using a large pot will slow growth and reduces flowering significantly. the orchid plant into two separate pieces by carefully pulling apart Their elongated stems bear linear to ovate leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the species. Most of these orchids are pseudobulbous plants with pendent inflorescences. Dendrobium is Genus of orchid in the family Orchidaceae. The temperature for these plants should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. While the species vary in appearance, all of them are known for their profuse blooms that come in a variety of pastel tones. atroviolaceum, Den. Overwatering can lead to root rot and ultimately cause the plant to yellow or wilt. Repotting should be done only as the mix breaks down (every 2 to 3 years) or as the plant outgrows the pot or o. nce the potting medium remains soggy and no longer drains properly. Fill two separate strebloceras and Den. Generally speaking, though, the dendrobiums require relatively warm conditions, above 60 degrees but no more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. He is the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home," and his writing has also appeared in the Chicago Tribune,and Better Homes & Gardens, among others. They are characterized by long, horn-like projections that spiral into unique-shaped flowers, resembling antelope horns. You can find wild Dendrobium orchids in the Australian outback as well as in an Asian tropical forest and the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. Yellowing Dendrobium leaves can be a sign of too much, "Dendrobiums like to be in small pots and are usually much taller than the pot is wide". Orchids last well and ship the best of all the tropicals. This Be prepared to move your potted orchids indoors when temps turn cold. By contrast, Oncidium orchids are much more delicate, with dainty stems and smaller flowers that are sometimes described as "dancing ladies" or "tiger orchids," because of their appearance. heterocarpum (aureum), Den. When your plant has finished blooming, you can cut the flowering stem at the point where it came out of the tall thin pseudobulbs. They can grow in full sunlight as long as it is not during the hottest part of the day. Use a commercial orchid potting medium, which generally contains peat moss, perlite, or fir bark. Evergreen for several years. Return Use a large stiff knife to cut through the rhizome and root mass, attempting to keep the root mass intact as much as possible. The bloom sprays appear from the top of the canes when mature and usually have from 5-20 flowers that last from one to three months. Do not use salt-softened or distilled water. Don't worry Then give high light, little or no water, no fertilizer, cool nights, 40-50F (4-10C). adequate Ventilation and Humidity must be provided. into each pot. They grow often at higher altitudes than many other orchid species and as such can tolerate significantly cooler temperatures than plants that inhabit lowland equatorial rain forests. moist to the touch. -- your e-mail address is totally secure. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener who wrote content for The Spruce for over a decade. If these plants are kept in south- or west-facing windows, it is a good idea to use a sheer white curtain during the summer months to diffuse the sunlight. Since the Dendrobium genus is so large and complex, the cultural requirements of these spectacular orchids will depend on their native habitat and the section of the genus to which they belong. johannis, Den. What is the difference between Dendrobium and Oncidium orchids? Seed propagation of orchids is not recommended, since it requires carefully controlled conditions and laboratory precision. When the orchid is warmed again (60F -15C), another growth may mature during winter and flower in the spring. Plan to water and feed your orchid often during the growing season but then back off in the winter months. Thus, paying close attention to their growing conditions is key for a healthy, well-blooming plant. The bloom sprays appear from the top of the canes when mature and usually have from 5-20 flowers that last from one to three months. Orchids to Types of Orchids. At the end of the growing season, reduce fertilizer by about half. Darker colors handle hard usage better. Over-watering is more harmful to dendrobium orchids than under-watering. This can vary from 2 to 5 days, depending on humidity, air movement, the amount of light they receive, the potting media used, the type of pot (Plastic or Clay) and the size of the pot. Thus, propagation is usually done by division (see above), a much easier method. Most species have a moderate to fast growth rate. Discover great advice for watering, nutrition, lighting and more. Give your plants room for air to circulate around them. In these regions, it is possible to grow them year-round as container plants on decks, patios, or courtyards. we really appreciate it. They can last one day to many weeks, depending on the species, and come in an array of pastel colors. Orchids Magazine - But sometimes information is scarce, or plants can be misidentified. stratiotes, Den. They are the most common type of Dendrobium in the marketplace. Proper overwintering strategy can vary somewhat depending on species, but generally speaking, dendrobiums should be given a cooler, drier, rest period during the winter. Do not use salt-softened or distilled water. The Dendrobium genus is one of the largest of all orchid groups with nearly 2,000 species. Please enter your email address so we can send your download link Dendrobium orchids like warm climates and grow best with daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a nighttime drop of about 10 degrees. Balanced Fertilizer for Growth: 20-20-20 (NPK) 1 gram per litre of water Spray once in every alternative weeks (14 Days), High-Phosphorus Fertilizer for Blooming: 0-52-34 (MPK) 1 gram per litre of water Spray on every alternative weeks (14 Days). So to exhibit best care, Dendrobium Nobile should be given a winter break: this can be simulated by leaving these plants outdoors for a few weeks after flowering, temperatures as low as 10C are fine; naturally don't let these plants experience any frost. . Dendrobiums Phalaenopsis need lots of light, but not direct sun. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. findlayanum, Den. Use a large stiff knife to cut through the rhizome and root mass, attempting to keep the root mass as intact as possible. Cover These plants also need regular feeding during their active growing season. This 'hard cane' Dendrobium hails from tropical forests in the very north east corner of Australia and New Guinea, so has less seasonal variation than Dendrobium Nobile, below. from the pot and lay it on the work surface. chrysanthum, Den. anosmum (superbum), Den. A small fan will help provide good air circulation around your plants. These plants are evergreen and do not require a rest period as some orchids do. Anthuriums, oncidium orchids, smaller heliconia. the dearii, Den. Many types, however, do require a winter rest period where the plant is kept at about 55 degrees for several weeks in order to prompt reblooming. In fact, they do best in a smaller pot with only an extra inch beyond the root ball. Before repotting, you should always remove all of the old potting medium and trim away the damaged roots with a sterile cutting tool. Click Here, See membership status and access member-only features here. To offer correct Dendrobium care, you will need to consider your plant's natural environment. The forests within which they live lose their leaves in winter, subjecting the plant to very bright, but cold and dry conditions. Water your orchids in the morning so that the leaves are dry before night. This species is also characterised by it's thin flexible leaves; quite unlike the foliage of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis. Crowding of plants can lead to problems with insect infestations and fungus. Dendrobium orchids make good houseplants and are fairly easy to grow, though they can be picky about their environment. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis need to be fertilised regularly when they are in active growth. These are naturally epiphytic orchids that will thrive in hanging baskets with little or no potting media or they will do well in fast-draining media as a windowsill plant. High. Dendrobium orchids have a sympodial growth habit and produce new stems (pseudobulbs) at the base of the previous years stems. East or west facing windows are satisfactory if bright (avoid direct sun except at the beginning or end of the day). Dendrobium orchids are classified into six distinct groups, each of which has different characteristics and care needs. They might be able to withstand slightly cooler nighttime temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to cold isn't ideal. Watering with distilled water or collected rainwater is a good idea, as tap water can cause salts and minerals to build up in the pot. Getting dendrobium orchids to rebloom usually depends on giving them a rest period with lower temperaturesthree to four weeks at 55 degrees Fahrenheitand less water. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Oncidiums are considered somewhat more difficult to grow, but they tend to bloom repeatedly, while Dendrobiums often need a rest period before they rebloom. Return from Dendrobium These plants are evergreen and do not require a rest period as some orchids do. They will grow in lower-light conditions, but it is unlikely the plant will bloom well. Commercial Orchids. They include species such as Den. Hard Caned or Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Type. All Dendrobium require frost-free conditions and some need warm and humid tropical conditions. For most types of dendrobium orchids, the long-lasting sprays of flowers remain in bloom for roughly six to eight weeks, and they can make excellent cut flowers. lineale (veratrifolium), Den. Tips Provide warmth, water and fertilize heavily from when roots appear until top leaf appears on canes. When the blooms are done, cut the sprays just where they meet the canes. reserved. These Dendrobiums resemble the Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis). Packaged 5 stems per bunch, 60% of buds open. possible. crassinode, Den. Choose a pot large enough to accept four to six new canes, then slide the plant out of its old pot, rinse off the root ball, and plant in the new pot with fresh bark-based potting mix, spreading out the roots as you fill the pot. They generally do not root into the ground, so don't have access to the ground moisture as is the case with typical terrestrial plants. Yellowing Dendrobium leaves can be a sign of too much or too little water. Racemes of showy and delicate flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring. Give your plants room for air to circulate around them. moniliforme, Den. 2021 American Orchid Society. with little or no potting media or they will do well in fast-draining media as a windowsill plant. Spit Many need a dry resting period in cooler temperatures once new growth has stopped and before flowering.The dendrobium genus is classified into 6 distinct groups, each with its own culture and care requirements. Feed weakly (1/4 strength) weekly works well for dendrobiums. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. Download a Free issue of With some species of dendrobiums, only a single rebloom is possible, while other species may rebloom four or five times each year. promotes new growth. Stop feeding and watering the plant over the winter period (typically Children's Day to Valentine's day), but position them with good light. Most of the plants are pendulous, with leaves all along the canes that most often drop with the onset of cooler, drier weather. They like to be almost dry before re-watering. Hard Caned or Phalaenopsis Type of Dendrobium, "This care guide is for the most commonly grown Hybrids of Phalaenopsis type dendrobiums pictured above". These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), lithophytic (growing on rocks) and rarely terrestrial. However, getting plants of this species to flower does require a little attention, and consideration of their natural growing conditions. Be sure the pot does not sit in water as this will rot the roots. In fact, they do best in a smaller pot with only an extra inch beyond the root ball. The long-lasting flowers are usually white, up to 4 in. antennatum, Den. Here's how: Another propagation method is to simply prune away the small offset plants (keikis) that sometimes appear at the base of old, mature canes and replant them in their own pots. Do not cut off the tall thin stem because the new flower stem will grow from there. Petal blight, a fungal disease, can sometimes cause spotting on the flower petals. discolor, Den. Orchid Modern: Living and Designing with the World's Most Elegant Houseplants. Below are some general, and more specific guidelines for looking after Dendrobium orchids as houseplants. Light Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Some species, for example. Dendrobium is a diverse genus of orchids with different cultural needs. Decades-old plants are quite common. If repotted every two to four years, a dendrobium can be perpetuated almost indefinitely. Unlike Dendrobium Phalaenopsis above, the flowers grow from the plant's canes, rather than from a flower spike. These species naturally have a lot in common, but because the two types inhabit quite different natural environments, their care will diverge somewhat. Affected blossoms should be removed. Orchids don't grow in typical potting soil but rather in a special mixture that mimics their environment in the wild. Hard-caned Dens grow spikes from the top of the cane and produce gorgeous flower sprays. Fertilising every two to three weeks during the summer months and once a month in the winter should suffice. They include species such as Den. As an added bonus, some species are sweetly fragrant. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. two to three together from near the end of the pseudobulb. A small fan will help provide good air circulation around your plants. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis type orchids do well in daytime temperatures somewhere between 24C to 30C and night temperatures between 16C to 18C. These orchids include about 60 species with large and leathery leaves borne at the top of the pseudobulbs, erect inflorescences with usually yellow-green flowers. fimbriatum, Den. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. Some species, for example Dendrobium Nobile have been hybridized hundreds of times. Let the water run through the plant for a minute or so. Sonya has written for Martha Stewart Living's site, won South Jersey Magazines One to Watch Award, and is also a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. They are considered warm-house plants by growers, meaning they favour conditions in a warm greenhouse. Dendrobium orchids will tolerate partial shade and some direct sun, but bright indirect light is better. Re-pot every two to three years. This can vary from 2 to 5 days, depending on humidity, air movement, the amount of light they receive, the potting media used, the type of pot (Plastic or Clay) and the size of the pot. Dendrobium is a diverse genus of more than 1000 orchids species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, the islands of the south Pacific and Australia. thyrsiflorum. Use a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water (Humidity Tray) to increase humidity around your plants. They include species such as Den. Your satisfaction guaranteed with every order. EIN: 04-2161893, Please select an answer before proceeding, I am still struggling with this challenge. bigibbum, Den. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. To loosen the By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. lowii, Den. Two-Year AOS members also receive over $600 worth of coupons from the ELITE Marketplace Partners. Winter keep cool (50 F nights), medium light, just enough water to keep pseudobulbs from shriveling, no fertilizer. sanderae and Den. Below are some general, and more specific guidelines for looking after Dendrobium orchids as houseplants. Native to southeast Asia, these plants grow in all manner of climatesfrom hot, wet lowlands to high-altitude, cool mountains. to Tropical Plants and Flowers Guide Home. During the winter months, you can put a few more days in between your regular waterings, but don't let the medium dry out entirely. They love full morning and late afternoon sun, but do best if the light is somewhat filtered between 11 am and 3 pm. This species is very widely hybridized, with hundreds of interesting and attractive varieties available. Its as simple as cutting the stems and placing in the vase. Make sure the medium has aeration and is well-draining, so the roots aren't left in too much moisture for a lengthy period of time. Dendrobium spatulata are not recommended for beginners since they require higher humidity and higher light requirements, which are hard to maintain all year round. With these, it's generally safe to allow them to dry out and go dormant in winter, providing them moderate temperatures during their growing season. Remove all the growing medium from the root mass, and then cut away any long, dangling or dead roots.