About
Dendrobium antennatum is an upright, evergreen, tropical epiphytic orchid with cane-like pseudobulbs to 130 cm. Flowering stems to 25 cm emerge from the upper nodes of mature pseudobulbs and carry 3�15 waxy, long-lasting flowers to 7.5 cm across with white sepals and upward-pointing, spirally twisted, white petals. A distinctive and rewarding orchid for a warm to hot 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
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toAustralia (Queensland), New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with addition of sustainably sourced 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. It is a warm-growing orchid and the temperatures should not drop below 16°C. Provide very bright light conditions and 80% humidity throughout the year. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are at least three, younger, thick, leaf-bearing 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.