Overview
Dendrobium crumenatum is a clump forming, columnar upright orchid in the genus Dendrobium, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dendrobium crumenatum 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.
About
Dendrobium crumenatum, commonly called pigeon orchid, or 木石斛 (mu shi hu) is an epiphytic orchid in the family Orchidaceae and is native to Asia, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Christmas Island. It has two rows of leaves along its pseudobulb and relatively large but short-lived, strongly scented white flowers. It usually grows in exposed positions in lowland rainforest and coastal scrub. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and east-facing, west-facing, north-facing and south-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dendrobium crumenatum
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
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 crumenatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dendrobium crumenatum
- Propagation
- Division, Keiki removal
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Aphids, Mealybugs, Red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dendrobium crumenatum?
Dendrobium crumenatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dendrobium crumenatum need?
Dendrobium crumenatum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dendrobium crumenatum hardy in the UK?
Dendrobium crumenatum 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 crumenatum?
Division, Keiki removal.
More in the Dendrobium genus
- Dendrobiumdendrobium
- Dendrobium nobile 'Sir F. W. Moore'Noble Dendrobium
- Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum'
- Dendrobium Diane Kouchi gx 'Kapaluhu Beauty'