About
Dendrobium anosmum, the unscented dendrobium, is a large, impressive epiphytic orchid with pendulous, cane-like, noded stems to 120 cm. Short flowering stems bearing one pale-pink flower to 7 cm appear from the nodes along mature, leafless stems in spring. Each stem carries alternate, glossy, summer-green leaves 12�18 cm long. Despite the species epithet, many forms produce a pleasant fragrance. A rewarding orchid for a warm to intermediate heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to oval leaves and racemes or panicles of showy flowers produced from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring. One of the largest orchid genera, ranging from cool-growing temperate species to warm-growing tropical epiphytes.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Pendulous weeping
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toSE Asia
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown in basket or mounted on cork bark or wood if grown in conditions where sufficient humidity can be provided during the growing season. Grow in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide bright, filtered light throughout the year. The average temperatures are 25-30°C during day and 16-20°C at night time, with an amplitude of 8-10°C between day and night. Plant requires frequent watering and relatively high humidity during summer months and a period of rest in winter - reduce watering and feeding in October, until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled - usually after few years of growth. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are enough younger canes on the plant.
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes -remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free.