Realoving Orchids Shoppe
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DendrobiumOrchid growers come quickly upon the truly spectacular genus Dendrobium (den-DRO-bee-um), and almost as quickly begin to realize it contains the largest diversity of horticulturally interesting specimens. More than 1,000 species make this the second-largest orchid genus. The often bizarre Bulbophyllum may outnumber Dendrobium in species, but it does not hold a candle in sheer beauty. Most dendrobiums are epiphytes from Asian and South Pacific tropics and subtropics, from lowland warm regions to Himalayan mountains, guaranteeing a wide range of cultural requirements. Home growers can do splendidly with many of them on bright windowsills, and some of the highly coveted New Guinea dendrobiums can even be grown under lights. Because of so many different species, culture can be confusing. Some are deciduous while others are evergreen. Both types may need a dormant period, usually for several months in winter. Other types grow actively all year round. Obviously, the trick is to figure out what type is being grown.
Dendrobium amethystoglossum is native to the Philippine mountains, and likes cool temperatures. All, however, like bright light, weekly 20-20-20 fertilizer only when in active growth, small pots, open potting mixes and humidity of 50 to 70 percent. If the right type of cultural regimen is being followed for whatever dendrobium is being grown, and still no flowers appear, low light is the cause. The most popular dendrobiums are the brilliantly colored nobiles, including the Yamamoto hybrids, made largely using the high-altitude Indian species Dendrobium nobile. They are deciduous, needing a cool (50 F) dormancy with restricted water in late autumn. After leaves drop, the flowers bloom, and regular watering should be resumed once buds are well formed. In growth, the plants should go back into 55 F minimum nights.
Next most popular are the easier-to-grow evergreen Dendrobium phalaenopsis-types, shown above, increasingly found even in the supermarket. The lovely species is native to warm parts of Australia, liking 60 F nights, with no real dormancy except for cutting back a little on water after canes are mature but before flower spikes show. Pricing
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