How to Grow Dendrobium officinale? A Full Guide to Planting Conditions, Timing and Techniques

Dendrobium officinale is not only a valuable Chinese medicinal herb, but also a popular houseplant in recent years. Besides professional Dendrobium officinale growers, many people also want to learn how to grow Dendrobium officinale at home. This article provides a detailed explanation of the planting conditions, timing and techniques for Dendrobium officinale.

I. Planting Conditions for Dendrobium officinale

Not all locations are suitable for growing Dendrobium officinale. Even when grown in a greenhouse, conditions must match the plant's own growth requirements.

1. Temperature conditions

To successfully keep Dendrobium officinale alive, temperature is a very important factor. Relatively speaking, Dendrobium officinale is better suited to growing in a warm environment, so when planting it is best to keep the temperature between 5-35°C, and it is best if the day-night temperature difference is distinct.

If the temperature goes beyond this range, appropriate cooling and warming measures need to be taken.

2. Moisture conditions

Dendrobium officinale is suited to growing in places with some humidity but not excessive moisture, so when watering you must not water too much. You can water about 3 times a week, and you must make sure there is no standing water in the soil.

3. Ventilation conditions

Like succulents, Dendrobium officinale cannot tolerate stuffy conditions. It is best kept in a place with fairly good air circulation and not too intense sunlight.

4. Soil conditions

Wild Dendrobium officinale generally grows in rock crevices or among fallen leaves and silt in deep mountains and old forests, so the soil requirements are actually not very strict. The main thing is good air permeability.

II. Planting Time for Dendrobium officinale

Dendrobium officinale can be grown from seed, or by cuttings or division.

1. Time for growing from seed

If you choose to sow and raise your own seedlings, it is recommended to start sowing around April, when temperatures rise again, which helps the seeds sprout.

2. Time for growing from cuttings

If you choose to grow Dendrobium officinale from cuttings, the most suitable time is May-June each year. You should select three-year-old, robustly growing Dendrobium officinale plants for cuttings.

3. Time for growing by division

Dendrobium officinale can be grown by division in both spring and autumn, but considering the survival rate and the quality of the Dendrobium, it is best to plant at the end of March and the beginning of April, so that more new shoots will sprout and growth will be better.

III. Planting Techniques for Dendrobium officinale

1. Choosing the host for Dendrobium officinale

Because Dendrobium officinale is an epiphytic plant, a suitable host must be chosen. Recommended:

(1) Sandy rock or rock walls or loose stones;

(2) Gravel with moss growing on it;

(3) The trunks of broadleaf tree species with dense canopies, thick bark with many longitudinal grooves, high moisture content and moss growing on them.

2. Preparing the site and planting Dendrobium officinale

After preparing the site, place the host on top of the soil for treatment, with a pit depth of preferably 6-8 cm. Then choose a suitable planting method and time for planting.

3. Management after planting

(1) Watering: you can give 3 light waterings a week. When winter temperatures are low, do not water unless the soil is dry; once a month is enough.

(2) Light: Dendrobium officinale needs plenty of light, but the light must not be too strong. Generally, a state of half shade and half sun is most suitable for the growth of Dendrobium officinale.

(3) Fertilizing: fertilizing Dendrobium officinale emphasizes “light fertilizer applied frequently”; generally choose slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and compound fertilizers.