About
A medium-sized tropical orchid with long, upright, cane-like stems (pseudobulbs), 30-50cm tall, covered with thin, papery sheaths that turn silvery/grey as the stems mature. Each stem carries up to twenty yellow, occasionaly pale cream flowers with dark brown or red spots. Short, arching flowering stems appear from axils of leaves and mature canes in spring. Dark green, firm, lance-shaped leaves, 10-12cm long and 3cm wide are alternately arranged near the tips of the stems.
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, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
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. Provide dappled shade and higher humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, but cool room in autumn and winter. Reduce watering and feeding 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 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