Blooming Dendrobium orchids usually require a stake. With more than 1,000 species in this large genus, Dendrobium orchids are easy to classify. The most popular varieties that you will find in the market have white, yellow or lavender flowers.
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Dendrobium orchid care
Dendrobium orchids grow well indoors and are quite easy to grow. So, paying attention to their growing conditions is key to a healthy, well-blooming plant. In general, these orchids prefer small pots where their roots can be a bit cramped and they need to be placed next to a bright window if you keep them indoors.
These plants typically produce at least one new upright cane per year. Don’t cut off old canes as they store nutrients and water to keep the orchid healthy. Older cane plants will also sometimes flower or produce small plants, called keikis, that can be potted on their own after they develop roots. Flower-prolonging sprays remain in bloom for about six to eight weeks, and they can produce excellent cut flowers. Under optimal conditions, your plant can bloom several times per year. If blooming doesn’t seem optimal, try providing your orchid with extra light.
Light
These plants grow well in partial sunlight in nature. But indoors, they will likely need to be near the brightest window—preferably a south-facing window—to bloom well. The appearance of keikis can mean that the plant is not getting enough light. On the other hand, if you see yellow leaves, you may have exposed the plant to too much direct sunlight.
Soil
Orchids should be grown in a special mix that mimics their environment in the wild. Use a commercial orchid growing medium, which usually contains peat moss, perlite, or fir bark. Or make your own using components. Make sure the medium has good ventilation and drainage, so that the roots do not get too wet for a long time.
Drinking water
During the growing season, these plants love moisture but should not be grown in a saturated environment. Over-watering can lead to root rot and eventually yellowing or wilting of the plant. To determine when you should water, simply poke your finger in the medium. If it’s wet, wait until it’s slightly dry. During the winter months, you can alternate a few extra days between regular waterings, but don’t let the medium dry out completely.
Temperature and humidity
Dendrobium orchids like warm climates and always prefer temperatures above 60 degrees F. They can tolerate slightly cooler nighttime temperatures down to 50 degrees F. Furthermore, they prefer 50% to 70% humidity ( at least 45%). Brown leaf tips can be a sign that the air is too dry for your orchid.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant regularly throughout the growing season with a well-balanced orchid fertilizer, according to the instructions on the label. At the end of the growing season, reduce the amount of fertilizer by about half.
Dendrobium orchid propagation
If your plant has at least four plants bearing healthy leaves, you can divide it. Use a large hard knife to cut through the rhizome and roots, trying to keep the roots as intact as possible. Remove all potting medium from the root system, then trim off any long or dead roots. Place the plant in a pot roughly the size of its root mass and cover the roots with potting. Press the medium down and wait a week to water it thoroughly.