Dendrobium Orchids
Gorgeous, brilliant flowers make dendrobiums addictive. There are thousands of types; the ones usually grown at home have tall bamboo-like canes, either deciduous (which have the brightest colors) or evergreen. The deciduous ones can scare you when the leaves all fall off in early winter and the plant seems dead – but they will revive a few months later after a cool, dry rest.
Light - Happiest in bright light in a southern or southeastern window.
Temperature - Day – normal room temperature, about 70º F; Night – 60-65º F (evergreens), 50º F in autumn nights (deciduous)
Watering - Drench thoroughly when the potting mix feels dry one half inch down; prefer high humidity. Allow deciduous types a cool dry rest for several months in winter.
Feeding - Give a light application of soluble orchid fertilizer once a week.
Potting Mix - Medium orchid mix or rock in small pots.
Tips for Rebloom - Check which type you have so the cool dry rest can be given where needed. Allow to grow very dense in the pot before transplanting.
Don't forget: Dendrobiums must be well-drained, so don't let them stand in water!
Written by Graham Rice