How to grow Dendrobium orchids? These cultivation techniques you need to master

Dendrobium orchids, together with Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Vanda, are ranked as the four major tropical ornamental orchid groups, and they are one of the largest genera in the Orchidaceae family. According to differences in their biological characteristics and ecological requirements, they can be divided into two major groups: deciduous dendrobiums and evergreen dendrobiums.

There are many varieties of Dendrobium orchids, and among those commonly grown for ornamental purposes at present are Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium primulinum, Dendrobium loddigesii, Dendrobium fragrantum and others. Dendrobium flowers have beautiful shapes and postures, and are important cut flower and potted plant varieties.

To grow Dendrobium orchids well, you can start from the following aspects:

Shading. Dendrobium orchids in their place of origin often grow epiphytically on tree trunks or rocks in tropical rainforests, and prefer a semi-shaded environment. During the vigorous growth period in spring and summer, 60%-70% shading can be applied, but during the winter dormant period they need more sunlight, generally 20%-30% shading, or no shading.

Heat preservation. Dendrobium orchids prefer high temperatures and high humidity. For deciduous dendrobiums, the overwintering temperature at night can be as low as about 10°C or lower, while evergreen types must not go below 15°C. At the same time, attention should be paid to maintaining a relatively large day-night temperature difference (10-15°C); too small a temperature difference will seriously affect the growth and flowering of Dendrobium orchids.

Proper watering. Dendrobium orchids need sufficient water, but they also avoid excessive moisture; over-wet conditions will lead to poor plant growth, root rot and even death. Deciduous dendrobiums can be kept appropriately dry in winter with less watering, but the air humidity of the potting medium should not be too low. For evergreen types, if the greenhouse temperature is high in winter, sufficient water should be maintained.

Frequent misting. During sunny, dry and hot growing seasons, water should often be sprayed around the plants to increase air humidity. In the rainy season, humidity is relatively high, so misting can be stopped, and care should be taken not to let water accumulate in the flower pots.

Reasonable fertilization. Dendrobium orchids prefer light fertilizer applied frequently. During the growth period, apply once every 7-10 days with decomposed cake fertilizer water, or apply 0.1% complete-element compound fertilizer as a foliar top dressing. For deciduous types during the dormant period, and for evergreen types when forced into dormancy by low temperatures, fertilization should be stopped.