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Dendrobium (Orchids)

Dendrobium, Orchids, Easy to grow Orchids, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Dendrobium spatulata, Dendrobium latouria, Dendrobium formosae

Dendrobium is a diverse genus of more than 1000 orchid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, the islands of the South Pacific, and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), lithophytic (growing on rocks) and rarely terrestrial.

Dendrobium orchids have a sympodial growth habit and produce new stems (pseudobulbs) at the base of the previous year’s stems. Their elongated stems bear linear to ovate leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species.

Racemes of showy and delicate flowers are produced from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring. Depending on the species, they can last one day to many weeks and come in an array of pastel colors.

Dendrobium orchids, beyond their exotic beauty and diverse colors, play a role in purifying indoor air. They help remove toxins such as xylene and toluene from the environment, improving air quality and contributing to a healthier, more refreshing indoor atmosphere.

As an added bonus, some species are sweetly fragrant.

Since the Dendrobium genus is so large and complex, the cultural requirements of these spectacular orchids will depend on their native habitat and the section of the genus to which they belong. All Dendrobium require frost-free conditions and some need warm and humid tropical conditions. Many need a dry resting period in cooler temperatures once new growth has stopped and before flowering. The Dendrobium genus is classified into 6 distinct groups, each with its own culture and care requirements. Knowing what type of Dendrobium you have to grow it properly is important.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 12
Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Dendrobium
Exposure Partial Sun
Height 6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Spread 6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers
Dendrobium anosmum (Unscented Dendrobium)
Dendrobium bigibbum (Cooktown Orchid)
Dendrobium Gatton Sunray gx (Orchid)

Dendrobium phalaenopsis 

These Dendrobiums resemble the Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis). They are the most common type of Dendrobium in the marketplace. They are warm growers with thin, tall pseudobulbs, up to 20 terminal inflorescences gracefully hanging down, usually blooming in the fall or twice a year. They include species such as Den. affine, Den. bigibbum, Den. dicuphum and Den. williamsianum.

  • Grow warm year round with night temperatures of 60ºF (15ºC).
  • Water and fertilize heavily when roots appear from new growth.
  • Reduce water and fertilizer after growth finishes.
  • Need bright indirect light with strong ventilation.
  • Provide a 3-4 week dry rest period after flowering with cooler temperatures (55ºF – 13ºC). When the orchid is warmed again (60ºF -15ºC), another growth may mature during winter and flower in the spring.
  • Evergreen, these orchids will become deciduous if grown too cool and dry.
  • Dendrobium phalaenopsis are regarded as beginner orchids since they are fairly easy to maintain healthy during the year.

Dendrobium spatulata

Dendrobium spatulata orchids (Antelope Type) are hot, tropical, evergreen orchids, usually large and vigorous with long-lasting flowers in summer to several times a year. They are characterized by long, horn-like projections that spiral into unique-shaped flowers, resembling antelope horns. They include species such as Den. antennatum, Den. canaliculatum, Den. discolor, Den. gouldii, Den. johannis, Den. lineale (veratrifolium), Den. stratiotes, Den. strebloceras and Den. taurinum. Evergreen for several years.

  • Grow warm year round with night temperatures of 60-65ºF (15-18ºC) and daytime temperatures of 75 to 90ºF (24-32ºC).
  • No rest period.
  • Water and fertilize heavily when roots appear from new growth.
  • Need bright to very bright indirect light with strong ventilation. They can grow in full sunlight as long as it is not during the hottest part of the day.
  • Dendrobium spatulata are not recommended for beginners since they require higher humidity and higher light requirements, which are hard to maintain all year round.

Dendrobium

Dendrobiums are the most common type of Dendrobium species. Most of the plants are pendulous, with leaves all along the canes that most often drop with the onset of cooler, drier weather. They boast one to five flowers per node of the leafless canes in midwinter through early spring.

Group 1: Includes species such as Den. chrysanthum, Den. friedricksianum, Den. nobile and Den.wardianum

  • Growth period in summer
  • Provide warmth, water and fertilize heavily from when roots appear until the top leaf appears on canes.
  • Then give high light, little or no water, no fertilizer, cool nights, 40-50ºF (4-10ºC).

Group 2: Includes species such as Den. anosmum (superbum), Den. crassinode, Den. falconeri, Den. fimbriatum, Den. findlayanum, Den. heterocarpum (aureum), Den. loddigesii, Den. moniliforme, Den. parishii, Den. primulinus and Den. transparens.

  • Growth period in summer
  • Provide warmth, water and fertilize heavily from when roots appear until the top leaf appears on canes.
  • Then give high light, little or no water, no fertilizer, cool nights, 55ºF (12ºC).
  • Deciduous species need virtually no water in winter.
Dendrobium kingianum (Pink Rock Orchid)
Dendrobium lindleyi (Lindley’s Dendrobium)
Dendrobium nobile (Noble Rock Orchid)

Dendrobium latouria

These orchids include about 60 species with large, leathery leaves borne at the top of the pseudobulbs, and erect inflorescences with usually yellow-green flowers. They include species such as Den. atroviolaceum, Den. macrophyllum and Den. spectabile.

  • Same cultural growing requirements as the antelope types, but cooler and drier when resting in winter.
  • These orchids are good for intermediate beginners since they can tolerate small mistakes.

Dendrobium formosae

These orchids produce cane-like pseudobulbs, with black hairs on leaf sheaths and pseudobulbs often apparent, leading to the popular name nigrohirsutae. The long-lasting flowers are usually white, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), and wonderful when in bloom. two to three together from near the end of the pseudobulb. They include species such as Den. bellatulum, Den. dearii, Den. draconis, Den. formosum, Den. infundibulum, Den. lowii, Den. lyonii, Den. margaritaceum, Den. sanderae and Den. schuetzii.

  • Grow in intermediate to cool temperatures year-round, with night temperatures of 50-60ºF (10-15ºC) and daytime temperatures of max 85ºF (24-32ºC).
  • Water and fertilize when growing.
  • Give a slight short rest (dry) when growth is finished. Keep barely moist until growth starts again.

Dendrobium callista

Most of these orchids are pseudobulbous plants with pendent inflorescences. They include species such as Den. aggregatum or lindleyi, Den. chrysotoxum, Den. densiflorum, Den. farmeri and Den. thyrsiflorum.

Summer: give warmth (60 to 90 F), medium light, medium quantities of water, and fertilizer. Winter: keep cool (50 F nights), medium light, just enough water to keep pseudobulbs from shriveling, no fertilizer.

  • Needs bright indirect light with excellent good ventilation.
  • Needs 60-90°F (15-32°C) in summer.
  • This plant should be kept moist during the growing season.
  • Feed once a week from spring to mid-summer with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Then use a high phosphorus fertilizer until the end of the fall.
  • Needs a dry resting period during the winter months. It must be exposed to moderately low temperatures, 50°F (10°C), to induce flowering. Maintain high light during this period and reduce watering to just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Fertilization should be eliminated until spring when more watering is undertaken. Begin watering again once the flower buds appear.

Discover These Helpful Orchid Guides for Further Reading

Easy Orchids to Grow
Orchids: How to Grow and Care with Success
Best Orchids for your Home
Masdevallia (Flag Orchids)
Zygopetalum (Orchids)
Phaius (Orchids)
Phragmipedium (Slipper Orchids)
Vanda (Orchids)
Cymbidium (Boat Orchids)
Cattleya (Corsage Orchids)
Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids)
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)
Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids)
Dactylorhiza (Marsh Orchids)
Bletilla (Hardy Orchids)
Odontoglossum (Butterfly Orchids)
Miltoniopsis (Pansy Orchids)
Cypripedium (Lady Slipper Orchid)
Compare All Dendrobium
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Guides with
Dendrobium
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 12
Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Dendrobium
Exposure Partial Sun
Height 6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Spread 6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers
Compare All Dendrobium
Compare Now
Guides with
Dendrobium

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