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. Orchids in this genus have roots that creep over the surface of trees or rocks, rarely having their roots in soil.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dendrobium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dendrobium
In the garden
A member of the Orchidaceae, Dendrobium is a clump-forming orchid with a columnar upright habit and evergreen leaves, native to parts of South and Southeast Asia including Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand. Its growth form suits pot culture and glasshouse benching where air and light can be managed. Flower production in the UK occurs from February to July, giving a long run of spring and early-summer blooms under the right conditions. Position plants where they receive full sun to partial shade; the species accepts east-, west-, north- or south-facing aspects provided the siting is sheltered from extremes of weather. Use a neutral, well-drained loam and avoid persistent waterlogging — free drainage is important. The hardiness rating H1a indicates Dendrobium should be kept as a tender subject: it is best grown in a heated or unheated greenhouse, conservatory or as a houseplant rather than planted outdoors through the year. Allocating a bright, sheltered spot in a conservatory or on a sunny, protected windowsill will support both foliage and flowering. For display planning, note the February–July flowering window so you can stagger plants to extend indoor floral interest across late winter into early summer.
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 nobile 'Sir F. W. Moore'Noble Dendrobium
- Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum'
- Dendrobium Diane Kouchi gx 'Kapaluhu Beauty'