About
A medium-sized, epiphytic, deciduous orchid with terete, cane-like, fleshy, green or brown stems, 30-40cm long. Each stem is covered with thin, leaf-bearing sheaths. Leaves are narrow, 8-11cm long and 1cm wide, lime green, later yellow before falling off in the autumn. Short, pendant flowering stems emerge from the upper nodes of mature canes and bear two to five flowers. The flowers are thin-textured, bright yellow, approximately 4cm large.
About the genus
Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves. Racemes or panicles of showy flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toChina to Indo-China
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. It is best to stake each cane to keep the upright form when potted. If grown in a basket or mounted, the plant will naturally develop pendulous form. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide large amount of bright, but indirect light and 80 - 85% humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, cooler room in autumn and winter. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate 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 enough, 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.