Dendrobium Orchid: Complete Growing & Care Guide

Dendrobium Orchid

Overview

Plant Type: Perennial epiphytes
Family: Orchidaceae
Sun Exposure: Bright light not direct sunlight
Watering:
Colors: White, purple, yellow, orange, green, pink
Size: 0.5–4 ft. tall and wide
Hardiness Zones: 9–12 (USDA)
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic but most commonly orchids grow in the open air
Propagation: By division
Toxicity:

Dendrobium orchid flowers are a great addition to your home. Their beautiful flowers bloom several times a year, making them attractive houseplants. These stunning orchids come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and they’re sure to brighten up any room with their vibrant blooms.

With over 1,800 species of Dendrobium orchids found in the world, this is one of the largest genera within the orchid family and its popularity has led to the cultivation of many hybrids. 

Dendrobium are one of the easier orchid groups to care for, but they do have specific environmental and care needs to keep them healthy. Keep your orchid in a small pot to keep the roots bound. Water your dendrobium orchid only 1-2 times a week (at most) during the growing season and keep it warm and exposed to humidity. Be sure not to crowd it with other plants to make sure it has good circulation. Prune your orchids after they bloom to promote new growth and keep their flowers coming back throughout the year. 

In this guide we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to keep your Dendrobium orchid healthy and happy. And who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to get it to bloom again and again!

Because there are thousands of species of dendrobiums, they can vary slightly in what care they prefer. But they do have some similarities and general care requirements, which we will explore below.

Summary

Dendrobium orchids, with over 1,800 species, are attractive, easy-to-care-for houseplants. Provide a small pot, water 1-2 times weekly, ensure warmth, humidity, and good circulation. Prune after blooming for continuous growth.

Dendrobium Orchid Care

Dendrobium Orchid

The Dendrobium genus encompasses many species, each with unique care requirements. However, most dendrobiums generally thrive in warm conditions (60-85°F) during the growing season. A winter rest period with lower temperatures and reduced watering for three to four weeks can be effective to encourage your dendrobium to rebloom. While some dendrobium species may only rebloom once, others could rebloom several times annually.

Cultivating dendrobium orchids as houseplants requires close monitoring of their environment. Orchids prefer smaller pots, where their roots feel snug, and bright window light when grown indoors. Water and fertilize regularly during the growing season, but reduce these efforts during winter to promote reblooming. With attentive care, you can enjoy the beauty of your dendrobium orchid’s multiple reblooms throughout the year.

Light 

Dendrobium orchids must be by bright light indoors. They require a lot of light but not direct sunlight. Choose, if possible, a south-facing window, perhaps slightly shaded. This light will emulate the bright, partial sun that the dendrobium orchid receives in nature. 

They can survive in lower light conditions. But they may not bloom as well or at all. Sometimes, orchids will produce keikis, which are tiny growths on their canes. In Hawaiian, the name translates to “the little one.” These keikis can be removed from your orchid and planted on their own. 

However, the production of keikis is most often due to stress on the plant and can mean that the plant is not getting enough light. On the other hand, if your plant’s leaves are yellowing, it means it is getting too much light. 

Pay attention to your plant and your care habits, and adjust accordingly. 

Summary

Dendrobium orchids need bright indirect light, preferably from a south-facing window. Insufficient light may produce keikis; yellow leaves indicate too much light. Adjust accordingly.

Temperature 

These plants are temperature adaptable, growing in hot and humid regions to cool mountain ranges. But they prefer warm climates. Environments with temperatures above 60 are the best for dendrobium orchids to thrive. 

They can bounce back from slightly colder temperatures, but any prolonged exposure to the cold will harm them permanently. In addition, high humidity is better for your orchid. This typically means somewhere between 50-70%.

If your orchid’s leaves are turning brown, that can be a sign that the air is too dry. Increase your orchid’s humidity exposure as soon as you can. 

If you live somewhere where the air is dry, consider getting a humidifier for your orchid plant’s room. You can also place a small tray with pebbles beneath your orchid with water in it to increase humidity. Be sure, if you do this, that the pot is not sitting directly in the water. If your orchid is sitting in water, it will cause the orchid’s roots to rot. 

Circulation is also important for your orchid. A lack of it can cause fungus to grow or pests to develop. If you are concerned that your orchid is not getting enough circulation, try keeping it in a room with a fan. You can also purchase a small fan to place nearby. 

Summary

Dendrobium orchids prefer warm temperatures above 60°F and 50-70% humidity. Brown leaves indicate dry air; use humidifiers or pebble trays to increase humidity. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungus or pests.

Watering Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium orchids need consistent watering to keep them healthy, but they do not handle overwatering well. 

Consider purchasing a moisture meter to help you determine how wet or dry your orchid’s soil is. You can also use your finger to determine if your orchid needs to be watered. To do this, push it about one inch into the orchid’s potting mixture. If it feels dry, water it. If it’s still wet, then wait longer for it to dry out. 

Watering your orchid twice a week is average, but this will vary depending on sunlight, air movement, humidity, and temperature. As you move beyond the growing season and into fall/winter, your orchid will need less water, but do not let it dry out completely. It is recommended that you water your orchid in the morning. This will allow the leaves to dry before nighttime. 

A good way to water your orchid is to soak the moss in water. Alternatively, let the water run through the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to drain from the bottom. Yellowing leaves can be a sign both of too much or too little water, so pay attention to your plant and your watering habits to adjust accordingly.

Summary

Water dendrobium orchids consistently without overwatering. Use a moisture meter or finger to check soil. Watering frequency depends on factors like sunlight and humidity. Adjust for yellowing leaves.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your orchid only during growing season months (spring and summer). 

There are fertilizers specially made for orchids. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper amount to use for your orchid. During the active months, fertilize every two to three weeks. In the winter, once a month is enough. 

Summary

Fertilize during growing season, following package directions.

Growing Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium Orchid

Pots for Dendrobium Orchid

When you plant your orchid put it in a small pot. Orchids prefer smaller areas that compact their roots. This preference is due to their epiphytic nature. They produce smaller root systems so they can thrive in smaller environments. 

Choose a pot that is no more than 1 inch larger than your orchid’s root system. 

Planting Mixture

When you plant your orchid, be sure to use soil that has been mixed specifically for orchids. The most popular mixture used for orchids is usually fir bark.

Fir bark is extremely well-draining and it deteriorates slowly, so you can likely wait up to two years before repotting your orchid

There are other mixtures developed specifically for orchids. You can mix your own, as well. Other mixes include various ratios of peat moss, perlite, or pine bark.

Overall, the most important element is that the soil mixture is well-draining and is perforated with air holes. This perforation will keep drainage high and keep the roots out of sustained exposure to moisture.

Summary

Plant Dendrobium orchids in a small pot, no more than 1 inch larger than the root system. Use an orchid-specific soil mixture, like fir bark, which is well-draining and allows for air perforation to prevent prolonged moisture exposure to roots.

Dendrobium Orchid

Growth Rate

Healthy dendrobiums typically grow one new cane each year.

Do not cut off old canes, as they store nutrients for the plant. Old canes might also produce keikis, which can provide new orchid plants for you. 

Dendrobiums typically bloom for 6-8 weeks or about three times a year in a proper environment. The different varieties of dendrobiums have flowers available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They usually have anywhere from 5-20 flowers, some that are quite fragrant. 

It does not harm the orchid if you want to cut the sprays for a flower arrangement. When the plant is finished blooming, prune the sprays at their base (where they connect to the cane). If you do not do this, your plan may not bloom again. If you have pruned your sprays and your orchid continues not to bloom, this could be for several reasons. 

Poor lighting, improper temperature, or lack of nutrients can all affect an orchid’s ability to bloom. 

Repotting

Repotting your orchid usually needs to be done only every 2-3 years as the soil mixture deteriorates and loses nutrients. 

You may also need to repot your plant if it begins to outgrow your current pot. You will notice this is happening when the canes of the plant begin growing outside of the edge of the pot. 

Summary

Dendrobium orchids grow one new cane yearly and bloom 6-8 weeks, about three times a year. Keep old canes and prune spent sprays. Blooming issues may result from poor lighting, temperature, or nutrients. Repot every 2-3 years or when outgrowing the pot.

Propagating Dendrobium Orchid

flower

You can divide your orchid if it has at least four healthy canes. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut through the rhizome and root mass. Do try to keep the root mass as intact as possible. Lift the orchid divisions from the potting medium and cut off any long or dead roots. 

Place both new plants in a properly sized pot, with orchid potting medium. And situate it so that the plant base is just below the potting mixture (about ½ an inch). Wait a week before watering it thoroughly. Though it is not truly propagation, old canes might also produce keikis. These tiny orchids can be separated from the can and planted on their own. Be sure to wait until their roots develop before doing so. 

Typically, keikis should be left on the mother plant until the roots are between one and three inches long. Once they are, you can detach them by cutting one to two inches down the spike that the keiki’s roots are wrapped around. Plant owners should note that typically, these keikis are produced by the mother plant when it is under stress. It may be a good sign that something in your care routine needs to be adjusted. 

Summary

Divide dendrobium orchids with four healthy canes using a sharp knife. Maintain root mass, pot in orchid medium, and water after a week. Keikis can also be propagated when roots develop.

Dendrobium Orchid Varieties

Dendrobium Orchid

There are thousands of Dendrobium Orchid Varieties. Below are just a couple of unique varieties for you to consider. 

  • Dendrobium aphyllum. Dendrobium aphyllum is a popular orchid also referred to as the “hooded orchid” because of the cone-shaped rim of its flower. It blooms fragrant flowers that can be yellow, lavender, white, or pink. 
  • Dendrobium crumenatum. The dendrobium cumenatum is sometimes called a pigeon orchid because its flowers resemble pigeons. Their flowers are fragrant; however, the scent typically only lasts for one day. 
  • Dendrobium cucumerinum. Dendrobium cucumerinum is a miniature species of orchid that originated in Australia. Their flowers look like tiny pickles or cucumbers. 
  • Dendrobium taurinum. This species produces a large flower on its cane. The name means “bull-headed” because the purple and white striped flowers look like horns.
  • Dendrobium moniliforme. Dendrobium moniliforme is a dendrobium that typically blooms in white or cream. Though there are some found in pink or yellow. It is fragrant. In the early 17th century, it was made into perfumes for royalty in Japan. 
  • Dendrobium bigibbum. Dendrobium bigibbum is commonly called the “Cooktown orchid” or the “mauve butterfly orchid.” It has large 3-5 petaled flowers that typically come in pink or purple. 

Dendrobium Orchid Origins

Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium orchids are native to southeast Asia. Although, they also grow in many different areas of the world. 

They are epiphytic plants when they live in the wild, which means they grow attached to other plants. In nature, they often grow on trees, rocks, or stones. Dendrobium orchids, as a whole, encompass a large variety of orchids. 

In general, they are broken down into two different types of dendrobiums – ‘hard cane’ and ‘soft cane.’ 

Hard Cane Dendrobium Orchid

Hard cane dendrobiums are characterized by their tall pseudobulbs. These are thin, with dark leaves. They are evergreen and generally keep their leaves for several years before growing new ones. With hard cane dendrobiums, their flowers come from spikes that appear at the top of the cane. 

Soft Cane Dendrobium Orchid

Soft cane dendrobium orchids are more well-known and more popular. The flowers, unlike hard cane plants, grow directly from the plant’s canes, rather than a spike.

They also have thin, more flexible leaves. 

Summary

Dendrobium orchids, native to Southeast Asia, are epiphytic plants often found on trees, rocks, or stones. They’re classified into two types: hard cane, with tall pseudobulbs and flowers on spikes, and soft cane, more popular, with flowers growing directly from the canes.

Diseases and Potential Problems

Some orchids may be prone to petal blight. Petal blight is a fungus that will affect the flowers of your orchid. You will notice it from the small circular spots on the flowers. These types of fungal diseases can be common due to the number of humidity orchids needs to live happily. 

If you see this, remove the infected blossoms and increase air circulation around your plant. Brown Leaf tips can also appear on your plants. This browning can be from too much fertilizer, not enough humidity, or inadequate watering. Yellowing leaves also can be from too much sunlight or improper watering habits. 

As always, pay attention to your orchid and your habits to identify what the issue is. 

Toxicity 

The ASPCA has identified dendrobium orchids as a plant that is not considered toxic to animals. They are not toxic to humans either. However, they can cause some discomfort to the stomach if ingested. It is best practice to keep your orchid out of reach of your children and animals. 

Summary

Orchids can face petal blight, fungal diseases, and leaf issues due to humidity, fertilizing, or watering. Dendrobiums are non-toxic to humans and animals but may cause stomach discomfort if ingested.

Final Thoughts

flower

The dendrobium orchid encompasses a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of orchids. But there are standard care tips that you can do to keep your orchid variety happy and healthy. 

Keep your orchid in a warm and humid environment, give it plenty of partial sunlight, and keep it in a small pot to keep its roots compact. You may run into pests or diseases, but keeping the air around your orchid well-circulated will help prevent this. 

What did you learn about dendrobium orchids? Let us know in the comments below. We also want to hear if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you! 

FAQs

How do I get my Dendrobium orchid to bloom again?

Provide the right conditions: Dendrobium orchids need plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. They also prefer a temperature range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity levels.
Adjust watering and fertilizing: Orchids should be watered when the potting mix is dry to the touch. During the growing season, you can fertilize your orchid every two weeks with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
Prune your orchid: After your orchid has finished blooming, you can prune the old flower stems back to the base. This will encourage new growth and help your orchid produce more flowers.
Provide a winter rest: Dendrobium orchids typically need a rest period in the winter, where they receive less water and no fertilizer. This will help trigger the plant to bloom again in the spring.
Repot when necessary: Dendrobium orchids should be repotted every two to three years, or when the potting mix has broken down. This will help ensure that your orchid has enough nutrients to bloom again.

How often does a Dendrobium orchid bloom?

Dendrobium orchids can bloom once or multiple times a year depending on the specific species and growing conditions. Generally, mature dendrobium orchids tend to bloom once a year during their natural flowering season, which can range from late winter to early spring. However, some dendrobium orchids may also bloom twice a year or continuously throughout the year, especially if they are grown under optimal conditions such as proper light, temperature, humidity, and fertilization. Factors such as age, size, health, and genetics can also affect the frequency and duration of dendrobium orchid blooms.

Are Dendrobium orchids easy to grow?

One of the reasons why Dendrobium orchids are considered to be easy to grow is because they are quite adaptable to different growing conditions. These orchids can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, light levels, and humidity, making them suitable for growing in many different environments. However, it’s important to note that while Dendrobium orchids may be easy to grow, they still require proper care and attention to thrive.

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