Dendrobium
Dendrobium spp. (Dendrobium phalaenopsis-type hybrids)
📖 About this plant
An enormous and diverse orchid genus producing graceful sprays of colorful flowers along upright canes. The phalaenopsis-type hybrids are the most popular, bearing long-lasting, butterfly-like blooms in white, purple, pink, yellow, and bicolors. Flowers can last 6-8 weeks. Dendrobiums are among the most prolific bloomers and relatively easy to grow, making them excellent choices for both beginners and collectors.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect to full sun (4-8 hrs)
Every 1-2 weeks
Moderate to high (50-70%)
18-30°C
Small to medium-grade orchid bark with perlite and sphagnum moss; needs excellent drainage; mounted on cork or tree fern slabs in humid conditions
Balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half to quarter strength every 2 weeks year-round; reduce to monthly in winter; high-phosphorus bloom booster when canes mature
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands — one of the largest orchid genera with over 1,800 species spanning from India and China through Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand
- 📏 Max height
- 30-90 cm
- 📐 Spread
- 30-60 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Winter - Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White, Purple, Pink
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans and pets; orchids are generally considered safe household plants
- 🌱 Propagation
- Division of large clumps when pot-bound, keeping 3-4 canes per division; keiki (baby plant) propagation from flower nodes on older canes; top-cutting of tall canes
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets; orchids are generally considered safe household plants
Common issues
- Bud drop from environmental changes, Root rot, Mealybugs on canes
💡 Care tips
- Produces clusters of flowers along tall canelike stems,Allow a rest period with reduced water and fertilizer in winter,Some species are deciduous and drop leaves before blooming,Requires good air circulation around the roots at all times
