About
Dendrobium chrysanthum, the golden yellow-flowered dendrobium, is an impressive, semi-evergreen epiphytic orchid with pendulous, cane-like stems reaching 160 cm long. Short flowering stems emerge from nodes in the leaf axils carrying 4�5 cm, rich yellow flowers. A stunning warm-growing orchid for a heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Dendrobium are one of the largest genera of orchids, comprising epiphytic and terrestrial species from tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia and the Pacific. They produce elongated, cane-like or club-shaped pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves, and racemes of showy flowers from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Dendrobium span a huge range of sizes, habits and cultural requirements.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Pendulous weeping
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toHimalaya, China and SE Asia
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown in a basket, 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. Plant requires frequent watering and relatively high humidity during summer months and a period of rest in winter - reduce watering and feeding in autumn, 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. 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.