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Dendrobium Orchids

Temperature: 70° - 90° F days, 45° - 65° F nights

Water: Keep almost moist, drier in winder.

Light: 25% - 50% shade, brighter in winter.

Humidity:50% - 75%

Fertilizer: Twice a month, less in Winter.

Dendrobium is one of the largest families of orchids with somewhere around 1000 species being known. Being such a large family creates much diversity. There are some Dendrobiums that are very large as well as some miniatures, some come from warm sea-level conditions of the equatorial Pacific islands while others originate in the near alpine climate of the Himalayan foothills. Dendrobiums are found only in the Eastern Hemisphere and range from Australia, throughout the South Pacific and Phillipines, Southeast Asia, and India, and a small representation in Japan. Although the color range is varied most hybrids offered for sale are usually lavender, white, golden-yellow, or combinations of these colors. Some of the more unusual species and hybrids can be bluish, ivory colored, brilliant orange or scarlet, or have exotic markings. Most of the evergreen Dendrobiums are not fragrant however the deciduous species can have fresh citrus scent or smell of raspberries.

Most Dendrobiums that you will commonly find for sale require intermediate temperatures and bright filtered light during the growing season. Humidity should be between 50 and 75%. The easy-growing evergreen Dendrobiums and the Phalaenopsis type can receive this same culture throughout the year. These Dendrobiums produce sprays of long lasting round Phalaenopsis like flowers that can last for several weeks. They can often bloom several times a year and the flower sprays make excellent cut flowers for arrangements. Use a fertilizer specifically for orchids, contact one of our garden centers for available fertilizers.

Dendrobiums are sturdy orchids that can add a focal point to any room without being too difficult to grow. The fall blooming season of many of the Phalaenopsis types fills a void left by other groups of orchids. For best results repot Dendrobiums each year using an orchid mix and avoid using too large of a pot. They may also be successfully grown in wooden slatted baskets using sphagnum moss.