The dendrobium orchid is a mesmerizing plant known for its lush and long-lasting blooms. However, to enjoy regular flowering from this captivating beauty, you’ll need to provide it with proper care.

How to Care for Dendrobium Orchids

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through step by step how to care for dendrobium orchids and the maintenance standards to follow at home. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced orchid lover, you’ll find detailed growing instructions, practical advice, and answers to your pressing questions.

Meet the Expert

Before we dive into the world of dendrobium orchids, let’s meet our expert:

SyedMusa : Florist with ten years of experience.
“I love orchids, and I know what they love.”

Now, let’s embark on our journey to unlock the secrets of successful dendrobium orchid care.

Dendrobium Orchid in Nature and at Home

The Dendrobium genus comprises over 1,200 species of epiphytic orchids found in various regions, including the Himalayas, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. In their natural habitat, dendrobiums experience distinct seasonal changes, with dry winters and summer monsoons. When grown indoors, they also exhibit a dormant period in the autumn-winter season.

Development Cycles of Dendrobium: important to know

Understanding the development cycles of dendrobium orchids is crucial for providing the right care. These orchids exhibit alternating stages of growth (vegetation) and dormancy, with varying durations depending on growing conditions.

The growing season can be divided into several stages:

• End of Winter to Spring: During this period, new shoots emerge, and flower buds begin to swell. Dendrobium orchids bloom beautifully, with inflorescences ranging from curved to straight, filled with many flowers in racemes.
• Summer Period: This is when the root system experiences active development. By early autumn, the bulbs ripen, lose their leaves, and sometimes take a horizontal position.
• Autumn and Winter: This is the dormant period when the visible active life of the orchid slows down. The plant relies on stored nutrients during this time, preparing for the next growth phase.

If conditions, especially temperature, are unfavorable for further development, dendrobiums can enter a phase of forced dormancy. Proper care during each stage of the orchid’s biological development is essential for successful growth and blooming.

How to Care for Dendrobium Orchids: Key Requirements

Now that we’ve covered the basic development cycles, let’s delve into the key requirements for caring for dendrobium orchids:

Optimal Location

Dendrobium orchids thrive in environments with good lighting and air circulation but are sensitive to drafts. During the summer, you can place them in the garden, on a veranda, or in the open air, but it’s advisable to provide some shade during noon. Placing dendrobiums on a windowsill is acceptable, but additional lighting may be necessary. Monitor the leaves to ensure they remain fresh and green, indicating the plant’s comfort level.

Temperature for Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums fall into the category of moderately heat-loving orchids. In the winter, during their rest period, maintain temperatures around 20°C-22°C during the day and allow a drop to 15°C at night. Here’s a table with desired temperature conditions during different periods of dendrobium growth:

Dendrobium Orchids Irrigation Scheme and Methods

Proper watering is essential for dendrobium orchids. Before watering, allow the water to settle, and if it’s hard, consider softening it. There are various ways to soften water, including boiling and cooling it, settling with oxalic acid, using high-moor peat, or using a household filter.

Watering methods for dendrobiums include:

• Watering with a Watering Can: Apply a thin stream of water over the entire surface of the substrate until it flows out of the drainage holes. Water in the morning to allow the orchid to dry by evening, and ensure water doesn’t reach the leaf axils and growing point.
• Immersion: Submerge the dendrobium in water until fully saturated, then allow excess water to drain before returning it to its original place.
• Bathing in the Shower: Give your dendrobium a shower under slightly warm tap water once or twice a month, covering the pot with polyethylene to only moisten the foliage. Avoid showering during flowering and dormancy. Afterward, let it dry in a room at 20°C-22°C, and gently blot the leaves with a dry cloth to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to diseases.

Watering should be adjusted according to the season: abundant from spring to August, reduced from August onwards, and minimal or only spraying during the dormant period.

For complete knowledge of How To Water Dendrobium Orchids Properly read this guide.

Soil Composition for Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums are epiphytic orchids that naturally grow on trees. The substrate for dendrobiums can be purchased or prepared independently. Commercial substrates often use pine bark, which is preferable due to its porosity and moisture-retaining properties.

If you choose to prepare your own substrate, be cautious. Use bark from fallen or dead trees, ensuring it’s free from pests or rot. Disinfect the bark through scalding, calcination, or boiling to eliminate pathogens and any pest larvae.

Choosing a Pot for Dendrobium Orchids

Select synthetic pots for dendrobiums, as their roots adhere tightly to ceramic pots, making transplanting challenging without causing damage. Make sure to create adequate holes in the container for proper aeration. Dendrobiums can be grown in small pots with large bark or as hanging plants in baskets or on blocks. Opt for white or transparent pots to protect the orchids from excessive infrared radiation.

Maintain a distance of 1.5-2 cm between the pot walls and the dendrobium’s root system.

Rules for Applying Fertilizers to Dendrobium Orchids

Fertilize dendrobiums during their active growth period. Use complex fertilizers for flowering plants, ensuring they have a lower nitrogen content than phosphorus and potassium. You can fertilize with each watering or alternate between three waterings with fertilizers and one without. Use smaller proportions than recommended in the instructions to avoid over-fertilization.

Some effective complex fertilizers for dendrobiums include:

• Bona Forte: Contains niacin, vitamin C, thiamine, magnesium, and succinic acid to promote health and beautiful appearance.
• Agricola: Available in various forms (solution, sticks, gel, and powder), it’s suitable for weakened orchids and those undergoing acclimatization. It provides protection against diseases and supports intensive flowering.
• Fusco: Effective for stimulating the formation of flower buds, ensuring generous and long-lasting flowering.

Repotting Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums are sensitive to transplanting, so avoid changing their residence frequently. They thrive in tight pots, even if their roots start to protrude from the holes. Repotting should be done every 3 years, preferably in spring, around March or April, before the start of new growth.

Transplanting dendrobiums requires special care to avoid damaging their delicate roots. It’s best to transfer them into new containers along with a clump of substrate, distinguishing this method from other orchids where the old substrate is almost entirely removed. The roots of dendrobiums cling tightly to the substrate, making this method ideal. Remember to water the orchid after transplanting and place it in a shaded area for adaptation.

Specifics of Caring for Dendrobium in Different Periods

Now that we’ve covered the key requirements for dendrobium care let’s explore the specific care needed during different periods of their growth cycle.

Actions After Purchasing Dendrobium

When you acquire a dendrobium, it’s crucial to provide the right care from the beginning. Follow these steps:

• Ask the seller to pack the flower for transport.
• At home, carefully examine the root system and substrate. If the substrate is very dry, water the orchid generously.
• Place the plant in a shady, well-ventilated area for several days to acclimatize it.
• After a week, move the orchid to its permanent location.

Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight immediately after purchase; give it time to adapt to its new conditions.

Maintenance During the Rest Period

During the dormant period of dendrobiums, adjust your care routine as follows:

• Reduce watering to a minimum; only spray occasionally to prevent severe wrinkling of the bulbs.
• Discontinue fertilization.
• Ensure adequate but not intense lighting.
• This is an ideal time for repotting dendrobiums.

Once the new growth begins and the peduncle emerges, gradually transition the orchid back to its regular watering and fertilization schedule.

How to Stimulate Dendrobium Orchids Flowering

Sometimes, despite your efforts, dendrobium orchids may not flower as expected. This can often be due to a lack of temperature variation.

To encourage flowering, subject your dendrobium to a slight temperature stress:

• Create a sudden daily temperature drop, with nights at around 16°C and daytime warmth of 26°C.
• Maintain this temperature change for 28 days.
• Reduce watering and halt fertilization during this period.
• After a month, return the plant to its comfortable conditions.

There are additional measures to stimulate flowering, such as increasing lighting intensity, using fertilizers, applying traditional methods, and even using hormonal drugs. Be sure to diagnose the reasons for a lack of flowering and choose the appropriate method to awaken your dendrobium.

What to Do After Dendrobium Orchids Flowering

After your dendrobium has finished flowering, the goal is to maintain its dormant state without disturbing the development of flower and growth buds. Here’s what to do:

• Don’t cut off faded flower stalks: Unlike some other orchids, dendrobiums should not have their faded flower stalks removed immediately. Allow them to dry naturally. If the bulbs remain green after drying, flower buds or new growth will form on them later.
• Don’t trim pseudobulbs: Only do this if they show signs of disease.
• Water carefully: For dendrobiums that shed leaves, avoid watering until new shoots begin to grow.
• Avoid fertilizing: During this period, refrain from feeding your dendrobium.

Consider repotting your orchid if its roots have grown out of all the holes or if the substrate has become overly decomposed and peat-like.

Memo to the Gardener: Standards for Caring for Dendrobium Orchids

Let’s summarize the essential care standards for dendrobium orchids:

• Light: Provide maximum light during the growth period. Dendrobiums can be kept outdoors, on a balcony, or in a garden, tolerating direct sunlight once acclimated.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 22°C-28°C during the day and 18°C-22°C at night during active growth. During the rest period, maintain temperatures around 18°C.
• Watering: Water abundantly during spring and summer, about once a week or every 10 days. Reduce watering from August onwards. During dormancy, only spray occasionally.
• Peace: During dormancy, refrain from watering, and temperature fluctuations are not critical; only ensure adequate light.
• Soil: Use pine bark or dried, finely ground moss as the substrate. Prepare the bark carefully to avoid harming your dendrobium.
• Repotting: Repot every 3-4 years in the spring, preferably in March or April, before new growth begins.
• Fertilization: Apply regular fertilization from spring to August. Afterward, cease fertilization, as excessive feeding can lead to the proliferation of new growths and inhibit flowering.

Methods for Propagating Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums can be propagated using various methods, most commonly through vegetative means:

Dividing the Bush

Divide the bush during the early stages of generative shoots and young roots, typically from March to May. Only select strong, well-developed specimens for division.

By Cuttings

Another propagation method is by taking cuttings. This involves cutting a portion of the stem with a node and roots and planting it separately.

Children (Keikis)

Some dendrobiums produce keikis, which are small, independent plants that develop along the stem. These keikis can be carefully separated and potted to grow into new orchids. We have created a guide on When To Remove Keikis From Dendrobium Orchids.

Dendrobium Orchids Pests and Their Control

Dendrobium orchids can be vulnerable to various pests. Here are some common pests and how to control them:

Thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become distorted and discolored. Control thrips by regularly inspecting your orchid and using neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on plant stems and leaves, sucking sap from the plant. Remove them by spraying your dendrobium with water or using insecticidal soap.

Scale

Scale insects appear as small, brown or white bumps on the stems and leaves of orchids. They feed on plant sap and can weaken your orchid. Control scale insects by gently scraping them off with a soft brush or cotton swab and applying neem oil.

Spider Mite

Spider mites are tiny pests that create fine webbing on your orchid and cause leaves to become stippled and discolored. Use a miticide to control spider mites.

Dendrobium Orchids Diseases and Treatment

Dendrobium orchids can also be susceptible to various diseases. Here’s how to treat some common orchid diseases:

Fungus

Fungal infections can manifest as dark spots or fuzzy growth on your orchid. Remove affected areas and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.

Root Rot

Root rot occurs when the roots of your orchid become damaged or infected. Remove affected roots and replant your dendrobium in fresh, well-draining substrate.

Brown Rot

Brown rot appears as brown, mushy spots on your orchid. Remove the affected areas and ensure proper ventilation and reduced humidity to prevent its recurrence.

The Yellowing of orchid leaves is the main problem to resolve this problem read our guide Why Are My Dendrobium Leaves Turning Yellow.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew looks like a white, powdery substance on the leaves of your orchid. Use a fungicide to treat this issue.

Caring for Dendrobium Orchids: Mistakes Gardeners Make

Avoid these common mistakes when caring for dendrobium orchids:

• Excessive watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Follow a proper watering schedule.
• Inadequate light: Ensure your orchid receives enough light during its growth period.
• Incorrect temperature: Maintain the right temperature range for your dendrobium based on its growth cycle.
• Ignoring dormancy: Allow your orchid to rest during its dormant period, reducing watering and fertilization.
• Skipping repotting: Regularly repot your dendrobium to prevent overcrowding and ensure it has fresh substrate.
• Over-fertilizing: Avoid excessive fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully care for your dendrobium orchids and enjoy their beautiful blooms for years to come.

conclusion

Mastering how to care for Dendrobium Orchids is essential for their long-lasting beauty. By providing the right conditions, from lighting to temperature, watering, and substrate, you can enjoy lush and long-lasting blooms from these stunning orchids. Additionally, knowing how to propagate and protect them from pests and diseases ensures a thriving orchid collection.

Remember, with patience and attention to detail, you can become a successful dendrobium orchid enthusiast. Happy orchid growing!