diverse
DENDROBIUM Care Card
Something for Everyone
The dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) orchid is a large and diverse genus. These orchids can be found from southeast Asia and extend to islands below Australia – from mountains to valleys. Because care requirements vary, dendrobiums have been classified into sections according to care requirements. Some of these orchids are perfect for the beginning orchid enthusiasts, while others are best left to experienced orchid growers. Let’s explore dendrobium culture:
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
Section – Phalanethe/ Phalaenopsis
The Phalanthe/Phalaenopsis section dendrobium is an evergreen orchid that is closely related to the Spatulata section.
Origin: Northeastern Austrialia.
Species: D. affine, striaenopsis, superbiens, williamsianum.
TEMPERATURE
Dendrobium phalaenanthe are warm growers:
Day: 70°-80° F/21°-26.7° C
Night: 60° F/15.5° C/ at night.
One month winter rest: 55° F/13° C.
LIGHT
Bright light 2,000-4,000 (fc).
HUMIDITY
75% humidity is ideal with 65% in winter. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. Easily track humidity levels with a humidistat.
WATER
Water copiously, then allow the roots to dry before watering again. Leaf drop indicates a need for more water, humidity, and warmer temperatures. Begin decreasing water for winter rest after blooming. Do not allow pseudobulbs to shrivel. Increase water again in spring when new growth appears.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply a high nitrogen fertilizer (9-3-6) in spring and a high phosphate fertilizer (3-12-6) from late summer to fall. liquid fertilizer three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts.
POTTING & MEDIA
These tall, arching orchids like to be underpotted and can be top-heavy. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
Section – Bigibbum
Typically bigibbum species are typically categorized with phalaenopsis dendrobiums, but as their winter care varies, I have given them their own culture guide. Bigibbum species look very similar to Den. phalaenopsis, though the flowers tend to be smaller. These evergreen orchids originate from Australia.
TEMPERATURE
Dendrobium bigibbum are warm growers:
Day: 82°-89 ° F/28°-32° C
Night: 73°-78° F/-23°-26° C/ at night.
These orchids do not need cool temperatures during the winter.
LIGHT
Bright light 3,000-4,000 fc) with strong air movement.
HUMIDITY
Humidity levels between 70-80% work well for this orchid. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Note to home-growers: keep humidity levels at or below 50%. A humidistat is helpful to track humidity levels.
WATER
Water copiously, then allow the orchid roots to dry before watering again. Allow for a long, dry rest in winter, 2-3 months.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply high nitrogen (9-3-6) in spring and high phosphate (3-12-6) late summer to fall. liquid fertilizer three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts.
POTTING & MEDIA
These orchids like to be underpotted. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
Section – Antelope/ Spatulata
Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) spatulata (antelope) section orchids
Easily identified by its twisting, pointing petals, like antelope horns, denote antelope horns.
Evergreen for many years.
Closely related to the Phalaenthe section.
Species: D. antennatum, D. bicaudatum, D. analiculatum, D. carronii, D. discolor, D. gouldii, D. helix, D. johannis, D. lasianthere, D. lineale, D. mirbelianum, D. nindii, D. stratiotes.
TEMPERATURE
Dendrobium antelope are warm growers:
Day: 65°-90° F/18°-32° C
Night: 60° F/15.5° C
No need for a cool winter rest.
LIGHT
Bright light 2,000-4,000 fc).
HUMIDITY
Humidity levels between 50-80% work well for this orchid. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Note to home-growers: keep humidity levels at or below 50%. A humidistat is helpful to track humidity levels.
WATER
Water copiously, then allow the orchid roots to dry before watering again. Watch for leaf drop, which indicates a need for more water, humidity, and warmer temperatures.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply balanced (7-7-7) fertilizer three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts.
POTTING & MEDIA
These tall, arching orchids like to be underpotted and can be top-heavy. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
Section – Latouria
Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) latouria section orchids.
Evergreen
Origin: New Guinea
Species: D. atroviolaceum, D. macrophyllum, D. spectabile.,
Hybrids: D. Roy Tokunaga, D. Green Lantern, D. Stephen Batchelor, D. Andree Millar
TEMPERATURE
Dendrobium latouria are warm growers:
Day: 65°-90° F/18°-32° C
Night: 60° F/ 15.5° C
Allow for a slight drop in temperature for a winter rest.
LIGHT
Bright light 2,000-4,000 fc).
HUMIDITY
Humidity levels between 50-80% work well for this orchid. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. Easily track humidity levels with a humidistat.
WATER
Water copiously, then allow the orchid roots to dry before watering again. During the winter, reduce water by 20%.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply balanced (7-7-7) fertilizer three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts.
POTTING & MEDIA
These tall, arching orchids like to be underpotted and can be top-heavy. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
These orchids have notoriously long-lasting flowers.
Section – Nobile
Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) noblile.
Deciduous
Belongs to dendrobium section.
Origin: Southeast Asia
Species: D. moniliforme, D. anosmum, D. crepidatum, devonianum, D. falconeri. D. fimbriatum
TEMPERATURE
Summer day: 72°-82° F/26-28° C; night 66° F/19° C/.
Spring day: 87° F/ 30° C; night: 54°-66° F/ 12°-19° C.
Winter days: 76°-82° F / 25°-28° / C; nights: 50° F/10° C.
Low winter temperatures are essential for flowering.
LIGHT
Very bright light 3,500-4,500 fc). Lots of keikis (plantlets) are the result of insufficient light.
HUMIDITY
80% summer and 60% winter. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. Easily track humidity levels with a humidistat.
WATER
During active growth, water copiously, then allow the orchid roots to dry before watering again. Reduce water in fall, then withhold water for 1-2 months winter. Begin watering in spring when new growth appears.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply 1/2 strength, low nitrogen liquid fertilizer (3-12-6) three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts. Do not apply fertilizer during winter rest.
POTTING & MEDIA
These tall, arching orchids like to be underpotted and can be top-heavy. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
Cool, dry winters are essential for spring flowers.
Section – Callista/ Densiflora
Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) callista/densiflora section orchids
Evergreen
Origin: Himalayas, mid-elevations.
Species: D. densiflorum, D. farmeri, D. thyrsiflorum, D. kingianum, D. lindleyi, D. griffithianum, D. sulcatum, d. jenkinsiil.
TEMPERATURE
Spring, summer, early fall: 72°-82° F/26-28° C;.
Winter: 50°-55° F/10°-13° C.
Low winter temperatures are essential for flowering.
LIGHT
Very bright light 3,500-4,500 (fc).
HUMIDITY
80% summer and 60% winter. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. Easily track humidity levels with a humidistat.
WATER
During active growth, water copiously, then allow the orchid roots to dry before watering again. Reduce water in winter, being careful not to allow pseudobulbs to shrivel. Begin watering in spring when new growth appears.
FERTILIZATION
When new roots begin to grow, apply 1/2 strength, low nitrogen liquid fertilizer (3-12-6) three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood potting media to rinse fertilizer salts. Do not apply fertilizer during winter rest.
POTTING & MEDIA
These tall, arching orchids like to be underpotted and can be top-heavy. Nest an inner culture pot in a heavy clay pot to add stability. Use a free-draining potting mix to allow roots to dry between watering.
TIPS
Most Dendrobiums produce keikis (plantlets), which can be removed from the mother plant and potted up once the pseudobulb and roots are about an inch long.
Think monsoon: hot and wet in summer; cool and dry in winter.
it’s free
Get Your Orchid Care Cards
Take the guesswork out of caring for your orchids.
“
Thank you so much for the tips. I’m just a beginner. I’m loving following your advice and tips.
“
Amor
must-have