Dendrobium Orchid Growing Environment and Care Methods

Dendrobium orchid, one of the orchid family plants, can be used as medicine and has therapeutic effects on the human body such as dispelling deficiency heat and tonifying essence and strengthening yin. With the rise of the flower industry, the Dendrobium orchid has also become an ornamental plant, and the cultivation method for Dendrobium orchids is generally pot culture. So, where do Dendrobium orchids grow? How do you care for them?

I. Where do Dendrobium orchids grow?

Dendrobium orchids often grow on tree trunks or rocks in forests at an altitude of 480-1700 m. They prefer warm, humid and semi-shaded environments and are not cold-tolerant. The suitable growing temperature is 18-30°C; during the growing period, 16-21°C is more suitable; during the dormant period, 16-18°C; the nighttime temperature is 10-13°C, and a temperature difference of 10-15°C is best. Daytime temperatures above 30°C have little effect on Dendrobium growth, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C. Seedlings are prone to freezing below 10°C.

Dendrobium orchids are produced in Zhejiang (Yandang Mountain), Taiwan, China, Anhui, southern Hubei (Yichang), Hong Kong, China, Hainan (Baisha), western to northeastern Guangxi (Baise, Pingnan, Xing'an, Jinxiu, Jingxi), southern Sichuan (Changning, Mount Emei, Leshan), southwestern to northern Guizhou (Chishui, Xishui, Luodian, Xingyi, Sandu), southeastern to northwestern Yunnan (Fumin, Shiping, Cangyuan, Mengla, Menghai, Simao, Nujiang River Valley, Gongshan area), and southeastern Tibet (Medog).

II. How do you care for Dendrobium orchids?

Potted Dendrobium requires light, well-drained and breathable soil such as peat moss, fern roots, bark chunks and charcoal. At the same time, place more tiles or crushed brick fragments at the bottom of the pot to facilitate root development.

1. Dendrobium's light requirements:

The cultivation site must have sufficient light and maintain ventilation. This is more favorable for Dendrobium growth and flowering.

2. Dendrobium's water requirements:

During the spring and summer growing period, water fully to accelerate the growth of the pseudobulbs. After September, gradually reduce watering so that the pseudobulbs gradually mature, which can promote flowering. Dendrobium orchids have relatively high requirements for air humidity, and the best condition is to keep the pot moist; during the vigorous growing period, water must not accumulate in the pot, otherwise it is prone to rot. You can often spray water on the surrounding ground to increase air humidity.

3. Dendrobium's fertilizer requirements:

During the growing period, fertilize once every ten days, and reduce fertilizing in autumn. When fertilizing Dendrobium orchids, be sure not to apply concentrated fertilizer. You can adjust the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium according to the growth stage and apply it as a foliar spray or root drench, generally once a week until the pseudobulbs mature and during the winter dormant period, when fertilizing should stop completely.

4. When to repot Dendrobium:

For Dendrobium cultivated for more than 2-3 years, the plants become crowded, the roots fill the pot, and the potting material has rotted, so it should be replaced in time. Whether evergreen or deciduous Dendrobium, repot after flowering. When repotting, injure the roots as little as possible, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and fall off when exposed to low temperatures.