How to Grow and Care for Dendrobium nobile (Red-flowered Dendrobium)

Other Names for Red-flowered Dendrobium

Red Dendrobium

Growth Habits of Red-flowered Dendrobium

Red-flowered Dendrobium is a shade-loving perennial herbaceous plant. It grows best in warm, humid, semi-shaded, semi-sunny environments in subtropical deep mountain forests with annual rainfall above 1000 mm and an average January temperature above 8 degrees C. The suitable growing temperature is 15 to 28 degrees, and the suitable growing air humidity is above 60%. It is not very demanding about soil and fertilizer. In the wild it mostly grows on loose, thick bark or tree trunks, and some also grow in rock crevices.

It has an aerial root system, and the main requirement is good root permeability. The growing medium used should ideally be ventilated, breathable and well-draining. Under suitable temperature and humidity, it grows quickly and has very strong survival ability. Every year in late spring and early summer, flower spikes emerge from the upper nodes of two-year-old stems. After flowering, new shoots grow from the base of the stem and develop into stems, and it enters dormancy in autumn and winter.

Main Value of Red-flowered Dendrobium

Its ornamental value is extremely high. Its flowers are elegant, dainty and lovely, brightly colored and fragrant. It is regarded as one of the "four great ornamental foreign flowers." It can be used as a cut flower or grown in pots for viewing; a few pots at home make the place lively. In addition, cut flowers do not wilt even after 2-3 days, and its vitality is admirable.

Plants of this genus are considered to be "strong by nature, loyal and amiable." In Western societies, people often present them to respected elders they admire. On June 19 each year, dendrobium is given to fathers, and it is called the "Father's Day flower." It has the flower meaning "welcome, dear," and can be made into a boutonniere with gerbera daisies and round-leaf eucalyptus and worn on the chest. In Europe and America, dendrobium flowers are often made into boutonnieres, paired with gypsophila and asparagus fern, to express "welcome." To this day, they are widely used at large banquets, opening ribbon-cutting ceremonies or to entertain distinguished guests.