Dendrobium Orchid: Benefits, Uses, and Beginner Care Methods
Many people think any flower with the character "lan" (orchid) in its name is hard to grow, because plants in the Orchidaceae family generally have relatively strict growing environment requirements, so even though they can produce beautiful blooms, many people do not dare to try them easily. However, the Dendrobium orchid introduced today completely overturns your understanding of orchids.
Dendrobium orchid is also known as the Ink-Splashed Autumn Dendrobium. Its flower shape is arranged in layer upon layer; when in full bloom, each stem carries flowers that flutter like butterflies, giving an overall very festive feel. Besides its beauty, it is also very famous in traditional Chinese medicine and is often used for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, clearing heat and detoxifying, antioxidant effects, and boosting immunity. In daily care, it is mostly grown in pots. Its suitable temperature range is between 15°C and 30°C, and it likes a semi-shaded growing environment, but when the hot blazing sun comes, it still needs to be shaded in time to avoid flower drop.
As for watering, it likes moisture but is also afraid of too much water. It is recommended to feel the soil with your hand; slightly moist is best. Generally speaking, in spring and summer water once every 2-3 days, and in autumn and winter water once every 4-7 days.
As for soil, generally after buying it do not rush to change the soil; it is recommended to wait about half a year before changing, and it is also recommended to wait until spring to repot and change the soil. For soil, it likes a mixed soil with good air permeability and good water permeability, such as peat soil, perlite, and coconut coir mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio. In addition, note that when choosing a flower pot, do not blindly pursue beauty; also look at the size of the pot and do not choose an oversized pot, because Dendrobium orchid roots are fleshy roots, and a large pot makes it hard to grow.
As for fertilizing, for newly bought young seedlings or Dendrobium orchids that have already grown flower spikes, it is recommended to use monopotassium phosphate or Huaduoduo No. 2, with a fertilizing frequency of once per day. Later, if during the growing period it does not continue to grow flower spikes, then increase the use of nitrogen fertilizer (ratio nitrogen 20: phosphorus 10: potassium 20) and do not use only nitrogen fertilizer, to prevent excessive vegetative growth. As long as you follow the steps, the young seedlings will grow up quickly and will also bloom early.