Dendrobium

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Dendrobium

Den-droh-bee-um

Like most other cultivated orchids Dendrobiums are epiphytes or air plants. They have well-developed water-storage organs (pseudobulbs), often called "canes" for their upright, leafy appearance. There are many different types of dendrobiums available to the specialist grower. There are generally two types hardcane and softcane. Hybrids involving Den. phalaenopsis (the hard cane)and the hybrids with Den. nobile (soft cane) are what you will most often encounter.

Light
Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Provide bright light, to 50 percent sun. In the home, an east, west or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 30 to 50 percent of full sun. Plants should be naturally of a medium olive-green color. When the days become shorter soft cane type may lose leaves. The soft cane Dendrobiums are in general deciduous.

Temperature
Mature plants need a 15º to 20º F difference between night and day. Nights of 60º to 65º F, days of 80º to 90º F. Temperatures up to 95º to 100º F are beneficial if humidity and air circulation are increased. Low temperatures (below 50º F) may cause leaf drop.

Water
Keep evenly moist while in active growth. Allow to dry between waterings after growth is mature (indicated by terminal leaf). For soft cane type during the winter months stop watering completely till the new flower/growth buds appear.

Humidity
Dendrobiums need 50 to 60 percent. In the home, place on trays over moistened pebbles. In greenhouse, use a humidifier if conditions are too dry.

Fertilizer
Should be provided on a regular basis during the active growing period. Provide exact fertilizer you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing. A good general rule is to apply a balanced (10﷓ 10-10, 12-12-12, or similar ratio) fertilizer “ weakly, weekly" during the period of active growth. That is, fertilize every week at one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.

Potting
They should be potted in porous, free﷓draining media. Should be done every two to three years before mix loses consistency (breaks down). Pot firmly in medium, giving aeration and ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years' growth. Dendrobiums grow best in pots small for the size of the plant.

For how potting media and how the Dendrobiums are grown at the royal Collection Kew check here

Species

Dendrobium tetragonum

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