Dendrobium Care
Dendrobiums are among the most commonly encountered orchids. Dendrobiums are epiphytes (air plants). They have well-developed water-storage system (pseudo bulbs) often called “canes” for their upright, leafy appearance. They should be placed in a free draining media.
Light: Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Indirect sunlight to some moderate direct light. In a window, in a Florida room, outside on the sunny side of a porch or under a tree with morning or some afternoon sun. Plants should be naturally erect and of medium olive-green color.
Humidity: Dendrobiums do best in a 50 to 60% humidity. Humidity if inside the house, can be provided by placing water in a saucer of pebbles and setting the pot on the pebbles. Make sure the pot is not just sitting in the water. This would rot the root system.
Water: Keep evenly moist while in active growth. When convenient, we mist our dendrobiums as if the were in a rain forest. A good morning mist is nature’s best.
Allow plant to dry between watering.
Fertilize: It is best to fertilize after watering. Feed weekly, whatever the recommended dilution use half. Dendrobiums thrive on plant food. Your plant will multiply and bloom for you more if you feed it well.
Temperature: Plants prefer a 15 to 20 degree difference between day and night. Ideal daytime is between 75 to 85 degrees – night is 60 to 65 degrees. Temperature of 95 to 100 can be tolerated if the air circulation is good. Low temperature (below 50F) may cause leaf drop.
Potting: Dendrobiums like to be root bound. They are happier if they appear to be growing out of the pot. In most cases no pot is too small. In a lot of situations no pot seen - the plant is doing it’s best. We have not repotted our dendrobiums in years.
Ideal location – Water – Plant nutrients – potting media good creates Healthy, Happy Blooming Dendrobiums! Call us if any questions –we are usually home!
