Dendrobium Orchid Plant 'Pink'

About Plant- Native to Southeast Asia, the genus Dendrobium is one of the largest of all orchid groups. There are about 1,200 individual species, and they grow in all manner of climates, from hot, wet lowlands to high-altitude, colder mountains. Growers usually divide dendrobiums into groups based on their growing conditions. All dendrobiums are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on other plants. In nature, they grow on the branches of trees. Some are deciduous and some hold onto their leaves all year round.

 

Dendrobium Orchid 'Pink' Care

 

You can find a wide range in the color, size, and shape of the blooms. The long-lasting sprays of flowers remain in bloom for six to eight weeks. You can use the sprays to use as cut flowers for arrangements. These bloom several times throughout the year, depending on conditions.

 

Light- These plants like strong, natural sunlight. They will grow in lower-light conditions, but it is unlikely the plant will bloom well.

 

Soil- Orchids don't grow in soil, but rather in a special mixture that mimics their environment in the wild. You can use commercial orchid potting mix.

 

Water- During the growing season, dendrobiums like high humidity and lots of water. As with all orchids, the frequency of watering depends on your growing conditions, but at least weekly is a good idea during the summer.

 

Fertilizer- Feed heavily during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution containing lots of nitrogen, or use a balanced fertilizer like Peters 20-20-20 at quarter-strength with every watering.

 

Temperature and Humidity- There are considered warm-house plants by growers, meaning they favor conditions in a warm greenhouse. Temperature should be above 60 degree fahrenheit. Orchids like a humidity level of 50 to 70 percent.

 

Potting and Repotting- Dendrobiums don't like potting soil but want an orchid mix or a soilless potting medium. A mixture of clay aggregate, perlite, and coconut fiber works well. Repot every couple of years. 

 

Pruning- After the bloom is done, you can cut off the spike above the leafy part of the stem. However, you should not remove any old leafless canes.