Care for Dendrobium Orchids
The Dendrobium Orchids are favorites in tropical décor with their cane like stalks and colorful flowers. Two Greek words meaning “tree” and “life” were combined to give the genus Dendrobium its name, referring to the long stalks with multiple blooms.
WATERING
DO NOT OVERWATER!
Plants should be about watered once a week or when the potting medium is almost dry.
Never allow plant to stand in water or allow water to accumulate in the crown of the plant to avoid disease.
FEEDING
Fertilize using a complete orchid fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 blend, mixed at half the recommended strength. Use on a regular basis about every other watering.
LIGHT and TEMPERATURE
Plants grow best near bright windows, with no direct sunlight. Most ideal is an east facing window, or a shaded south or west exposure. Temperatures should range between 70 to 85 degrees F during the day and be about 55 to 60 degrees F at night. Generally, if you’re comfortable, then the plant is comfortable also.
HUMIDITY AND CIRCULATION
If needed, provide good humidity by placing the plant on a bed of small rocks, filled with water. The leaves, (not the flowers) can also be misted. Provide some air movement if possible.
PROLONGING BLOOMS
After the flowers fade, continue with the orchid food and a new flower spike should appear. It is normal for this plant to lose its leaves after blooming.
REPOTTING
The dendrobium likes to be crowded in the container, so do not repot until entire pot is filled. Repot in the milder months of spring or early summer after blooming season, using an orchid bark mix. Select the pot size according to the root mass, not the top size.