Overview
Dendrobium is a clump forming, columnar upright orchid in the genus Dendrobium, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dendrobium grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.
About
Dendrobium is an orchid with a clump-forming, columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. Native to Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand, it is usually grown where conditions are sheltered. It prefers full sun to partial shade in a well-drained neutral loam and is treated as a tender plant in the UK. In cultivation it flowers from February to July.
About the genus
Dendrobium is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is a very large genus, containing more than 1,800 species that are found in diverse habitats throughout much of south, east and southeast Asia, including China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Guinea, Vietnam and many of the islands of the Pacific.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dendrobium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, North-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Dendrobium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dendrobium
- Propagation
- Division, Keiki removal
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Aphids, Mealybugs, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dendrobium?
Dendrobium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dendrobium need?
Dendrobium grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dendrobium hardy in the UK?
Dendrobium has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Dendrobium?
Division, Keiki removal.
More in the Dendrobium genus
- Dendrobium amplumblack-tongued orchid
- Dendrobium aphrodite
- Dendrobium bracteosum
- Dendrobium bullenianum
- Dendrobium bursigerum
- Dendrobium christyanum 'Lillian'
- Dendrobium chryseum
- Dendrobium coelogyne 'Maximum'