DENDROBIUMS
There are around 900 Dendrobium species distributed throughout India, S.E. Asia, China, Japan, Malaya, the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Many of them are epiphytic but there are some lithophytes or terrestrial plants too.
These orchids need to be grown according to conditions they enjoy in their natural habitat.
Water: All plants require plenty of water and good light while growing. When growth stops the deciduous type of orchids should then have a cooler dry period to ensure flowering, while the plants, which retain their leaves, should receive a little water during this period. Plants from high altitudes should be kept moist during the year and will need more shade than the other types. In all cases enough water should be given to prevent the pseudobulbs from shrivelling. If the nobile orchids are watered too soon after their rest period the buds will not flower but turn into small plantlets called kiekies.
Temperature: This depends entirely on where the plant originates. If from a high area like the Himalayas e.g. Dendrobium Nobile then it will require a temperature of:
Winter around 50F (10C) - 60F (15C)
Summer around 59F (15C) - 86F (30?C)
If the plant has flower which come on a inflorescence emerging from the top two leaves and resemble the flowers of the Phalaenopsis, they will require a warmer temperature and enjoy Phalaenopsis type conditions:
around 65 (18C) - 88F (F-31)
Feed: The general rule is to feed well during spring, summer and autumn with a good balanced orchid fertilizer. Containers: This will depend on the type of orchid. Those with tall reed-like spikes and the Phalaenopsis type will do well in pots while those of pendulous habit will do better in baskets and smaller species mounted on bark or cork.
Water: All plants require plenty of water and good light while growing. When growth stops the deciduous type of orchids should then have a cooler dry period to ensure flowering, while the plants, which retain their leaves, should receive a little water during this period. Plants from high altitudes should be kept moist during the year and will need more shade than the other types. In all cases enough water should be given to prevent the pseudobulbs from shrivelling. If the nobile orchids are watered too soon after their rest period the buds will not flower but turn into small plantlets called kiekies.
Temperature: This depends entirely on where the plant originates. If from a high area like the Himalayas e.g. Dendrobium Nobile then it will require a temperature of:
Summer around 59F (15C) - 86F (30?C)
If the plant has flower which come on a inflorescence emerging from the top two leaves and resemble the flowers of the Phalaenopsis, they will require a warmer temperature and enjoy Phalaenopsis type conditions:
Feed: The general rule is to feed well during spring, summer and autumn with a good balanced orchid fertilizer. Containers: This will depend on the type of orchid. Those with tall reed-like spikes and the Phalaenopsis type will do well in pots while those of pendulous habit will do better in baskets and smaller species mounted on bark or cork.