Dendrobium is a genus of orchids comprised of over
1,000 species. They are easy to cultivate, and produce
abundant delicate, exotic, colorful flowers.
The name Dendrobium comes from the Greek language
with dendron meaning tree and bios meaning life.
These orchids have adapted to a wide range of climates.
They are found growing high up in the Himalayas in
northern India, in tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia
on the islands of New Guinea where new species are
still being discovered, and in the very dry climate of the
Australian Desert. The Dendrobium orchid is the floral
emblem of Queensland, Australia.
Dendrobium orchids exhibit a sympodial growth habit.
Sympodial means "with conjoined feet".
These orchids have pseudobulbs which store water
and nutrients for the plant. The pseudobulbs grow
vertically. The plant sends out new growth horizontally
between the pseudobulbs.
They are called pseudo-"bulbs" because bulbs
generally are planted beneath the surface of the soil.
But these pseudo-"bulbs" are above the surface of
the potting medium.
The growth starts at the base of the pseudobulb
and is called a "lead". The shoot and roots grow
from this lead.
The pseudobulb continues to nourish the plant even
without leaves which also provide nourishment to
the plant. The leaves on Dendrobium orchids can last
for years. Eventually the leaves will turn brown and die.
Dendrobium orchids are not the only orchids with
sympodial growth habit. Following is a list of some
other orchids that exhibit a sympodial growth habit:
Brassavola, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Miltonia,
Odontoglossum, Oncidium, and Paphiopedilum.
Odontoglossum, Oncidium, and Paphiopedilum.
Dendrobium orchids are relatively easy to grow
when certain guidelines are followed.
Good care of Dendrobium orchids includes....
The ideal temperature during the day is 75-85 °F/
24-29 °C, and during the night 60-65 °F/16-18 °C.
Dendrobium orchids enjoy morning sun, but need
to be protected from hot afternoon sun. They also
grow very well indoors under grow lights.
These orchids store water in their pseudobulbs.
Therefore they don't need to be watered as often
as monopodial orchids. It is best to let the potting
medium dry out before watering.
Dendrobium orchids enjoy fertilizers which are
high in Nitrogen.
Repotting of Dendrobium orchids is best done
every other year after their flowering period.
Happy Growing,
Bob Walsh
