Care Sheet - Dendrobium

DENDROBIUM (nobile type)

The species are widely distributed from India through to Vietnam and China.

The modern hybrids have been selected from the breeding of J. Yamamoto from Japan who has bred this type of orchid for several decades. The hybrids come in a wide range of colours with numerous flowers up the growth (canes).

Cultivation

	When flowering give only light watering, and no fertiliser. Can be grown in normal indoor conditions.
	After flowering when the growths are showing begin watering more heavily, and provide fertiliser at about half strength Phostrogen or similar with a higher nitrogen content.
	Reduce watering during September, and give no fertiliser.
	From October give no fertiliser and only very light and infrequent watering.
	Temperature – During active growth the plant can take a temperature from 15 c – 20 c at night and 18 c – 25 c by day. From October a night temp of 11 c – 13 c is needed if flowers are to develop. When flower buds are initiated after approximately 3 – 4 months, the plant can be brought back into the higher temperature of 15 c – 20 c at night, and 18 c – 25 c by day. Give light watering and no fertiliser.
	Light – During active growing season (after flowering) the plant can take, and needs high light levels.