The Dendrobium genus (type) of orchid which actually contains more than 1,500 different species by now, as well as thousands of hybrids, was established in 1799 by Olaf Swartz. The name is derived from the Greek dendron for “tree” and bios for “life” and it means one who lives on trees.

Pronounced den-drow-bee-um, the habitats range through much of the south, east and south East Asia which include the dry climate of Australia, the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains and the lowland tropical forests. This covers areas in Borneo, New Guinea, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. Commonly abbreviated as Den, some of these gorgeous species are in great demand by orchid lovers all over the world. Flowers from one of the hybrids, Cuthbertson’s Dendrobium, can last up to ten months.

We often see the exquisite Dendrobium orchid in arrangements at the florist since the cut blooms can last more than a month and because there is such an incredible array of colors from snow white to pink and purple, and even green blossoms. They vary in size. Some plants are smaller than a matchbox and are deciduous while others can measure over one meter (39 inches) and are evergreen. The deciduous species keep their leaves for one to two years but will typically flower on canes that have no leaves while the evergreen species will flower in the second year and continue for a number of years. Due to the complexity of this type of orchid, a few varieties sometimes don’t flower.

This orchid is a perfect specimen with spikes that can be over two feet tall with more than twenty blooms on each. The thick stems can store water and food during times of drought and some of them are covered with short white or black hairs. The blooms can last for six to eight weeks which lends them to making excellent cut flowers. The flowers can cover the colors of the rainbow with my favorite colors: pinks and lavenders, yellows, reds and oranges as well as many combinations. What more can you ask of a plant. When each of the spikes has produced several aerial roots, these roots can be cut off from the parent and often will flower after only one year’s growth.

When growing them, the most common can keep their foliage all year long while flowers bloom on new stems. They prefer a spot where the light is medium to bright and all you have to do is water them weekly or bi-weekly and fertilize once a month with a special orchid food. The temperatures they prefer range from 50° to 70° F and need good light and ventilation. That seems straight forward, doesn’t it? Actually, they are not particularly easy for a novice to grow. But there are so many horticulturalists who have given us detailed instructions on how and where to plant and how to maintain them. We love a challenge, especially when the results will be as spectacular as these are.

The Dendrobium orchids like to rest during the winter but grow quickly throughout the entire summer. Buds burst open into shoots from the base of the pseudo-bulb in the spring and, in some species, in the fall. Then there is an explosion of the rapid growth of new roots. Although reproduction is mainly through seed, a few species reproduce through heikis (bud) along the stem, usually after flowering or after an injury to the growing tip.

Some of the Dendrobium species are in great demand by all orchid lovers which has resulted in numerous varieties such as Cuthbertson’s Dendrobium or Noble Dendrobium because these breeds have extended the range of colors we’re used to seeing in orchids. Just be sure to maintain some air at the roots since they don’t tolerate soggy compost which can damage or rot their wiry roots. They prefer open compost like perlite or bark-based peat. Occasional misting will help keep moisture loss at a minimum when it’s really warm. They like to live in temperatures between 40° to 95° F with their ideal between the two markers. Always wash your hands before handling the orchid plants, sterilize any knives or implements you are using and keep the area clean. It’s much better to avoid disease than try to eradicate it. Feed once a month with a high nitrogen fertilizer, repot every two years in the spring after it blooms or when new growth starts. The Noble Dendrobium orchids have been grown as medicinal plants. The Cuthbertson Orchid flowers have been known to last up to approximately ten months. What a return on your investment.

Below are a few links to other articles about the Dendrobium orchids. Feel free to peruse them:

- Dendrobium biggibum

- Simple Dendrobium Care Strategies

- Understanding the Secrets of the Dendrobium Orchid

- Caring for Dendrobium Orchids

- Dendrobium Melinanthum & Sulawesiense

- Native Dendrobium Orchid – “Aussie Star”

The following video will give you additional information about
Dendrobium orchids.  Watch and learn!


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