About
A miniature, epiphytic, tropical orchid with 5-13cm long, flat stems. 4-7cm long leaves are arranged near the top of the stems. Arching flowering stems 1cm short, emerge from the tips of mature, leafed or leafless stems and carry two to four (occasionaly up to 6) flowers. Flowers vary in colour from yellow, or white to pinkish. Each flower measures approximately 2cm.
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
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toIndonesia (Java)
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown in basket or mounted on cork bark or wood if grown in conditions where sufficient humidity can be provided during the growing season. Grow in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir from sustainable sources. 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. The average temperatures are 25-30°C during day and 16-20°C at night time, with an amplitude of 8-10°C between day and night. Plant requires frequent watering and relatively high humidity during spring and summer months and a slightly drier conditions in winter - reduce watering and feeding in October, but do not leave plant dry for long period of time. 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.