Temperature

Dendrobuims are often one of the first orchids that are attempted by growers new to orchids, and with good reason. 12 - 28 C (53 - 82F) Dendrobiums in this temperature range vary widely depending on where they naturally come from. They vary in size from a few inches high to several feet and have flowers ranging from tiny half inch flowers to whopping 4 inch blooms in a wide variety of colours. Dendrobiums come in two types here, deciduous and evergreen. The deciduous types will by November begin to lose their leaves after the very top final leaf (apex) is fully ripe. They also need much cooler conditions during this rest period and it can be allowed to drop to a minimum of 10 C (50 F) for a few weeks during the coldest part of the winter, this will in fact encourage flowers to form instead of young plants where flowers would have been.

Watering requirements

This type of Dendrobium come from New Guinea and Australia - with a few exceptions. Generally speaking they require more water than their cooler growing cousins and will benefit from being watered once a week from April to October. From October through February/March start giving less water as at this time of year they are not actively growing.

Feeding requirements

Do not feed Dendrobiums during the winter as they are not actively growing and a build up of unused plant food can burn the roots, from late March to September you should water with a half strength high nitrogen feed to boost growth and from September to November change to half strength high potash feed to ripen the canes.