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.
| Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
| 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 |
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rak ter samer, Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
| 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 |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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