How to Grow Dendrobium Orchids? Mastering These Cultivation Tips Is All You Need

Dendrobium orchids, along 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 orchid family. According to differences in their biological characteristics and ecological requirements, they can be divided into two major categories: deciduous dendrobiums and evergreen dendrobiums.

There are many Dendrobium varieties, and those commonly grown for ornamental purposes include Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium primulinum, Dendrobium loddigesii, Dendrobium fragrans and others. Dendrobium flowers are beautiful in shape and form, making them important cut flower and potted plant varieties.

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

Shading. In their native habitats, Dendrobium orchids often grow epiphytically on tree trunks or rocks in tropical rainforests, and they 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 at all.

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); if the temperature difference is too small, it will seriously affect the growth and flowering of Dendrobium orchids.

Proper watering. Dendrobium orchids need sufficient moisture, but they also dislike excessive dampness; overly wet conditions will lead to poor plant growth, root rot and even death. Deciduous dendrobiums can be kept relatively dry in winter with less watering, but the air humidity around the potting material should not be too low. For evergreen types, if the greenhouse temperature is high in winter, sufficient moisture must be maintained.

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

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