DENDROBIUM

Dendrobium (The Spray Orchid) is a diverse genus of orchids with different cultural needs. Many go through a growth phase and then a rest phase during the course of one year, and must be given water and temperature to match these periods of growth and rest. Flowers can last one day to many weeks, depending on the type. The truly spectacular genus Dendrobium (den-DRO-bee-um) contains the largest diversity of horticulturally interesting specimens. More than 1,000 natural species make dendrobium the second-largest orchid genus

Dendrobiums are among the most commonly encountered orchids in the retail trade. Like most other cultivated orchids, dendrobiums are epiphytes, or air plants. They have well-developed water-storage organs (pseudobulbs), often called “canes” for their upright, leafy appearance. They should be potted in porous, free-draining media. There are many different types of dendrobiums available to the specialist grower. However, hybrids involving Den. phalaenopsis are what you will most often encounter.

Like most orchids they are very long-lasting both on the plant and once cut, looking fresh for up to three weeks or more. Faded flowers on the bottom of the stem can be removed to encourage upper buds to open. Dendrobiums are sturdy orchids that can add a focal point to any room without being too difficult to grow. The fall blooming season of many of the Phalaenopsis types fills a void left by other groups of orchids.

Dendrobiums are found only in the Eastern Hemisphere and range from Australia, throughout the South Pacific and Phillipines, Southeast Asia, and India, and a small representation in Japan. Hobbyists have successfully grown dendrobiums and their hybrids on brightly lit window sills and even under artificial lights. Most of the plants are pendulous, with leaves all along the canes that most often drop with onset of cooler, drier weather. One to five flowers per node are borne from the nodes of the leafless canes in midwinter through early spring. Some Dendrobium orchids are called "Phalaenopsis type" because their flowers resemble those of the Phalaenopsis variety. Phalaenopsis type are evergreen, while other varieties of Dendrobiums shed their leaves in the fall and winter. Dendrobiums are also commonly used as cut flowers because of their sturdy stems and distinctive colouring.

Dendrobium orchids used to be considered exotic and extravagant but in recent years they have become much more widely available. They still ooze glamour and elegance, with just a couple of stems adding a sophisticated touch to a room. This lovely orchid has several delicate blossoms on a long stalk. As one of the easiest orchids to grow, it''s one of the easiest choices to make.

Dendrobiums survive long periods of dry conditions that many face in nature. However, for best flowering, regular watering and fertilizing are needed. Roots of dendrobiums can not tolerate wet conditions for long that will result in root rot. Since growers use pots of various sizes and media with a wide range of water-holding capacities, it is not possible to give a watering frequency. As a general rule, water plants only when the medium in pots has become dry to the touch, but not bone dry. Stems with deep grooves indicate not having adequate water for too long.