Overview
Dendrobium moschatum is a clump forming, columnar upright orchid in the genus Dendrobium, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dendrobium moschatum 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 moschatum Griff. is a synonym of Dendrobium pulchellum. Dendrobium moschatum, the musky-smelling dendrobium, is a species of orchid. It is native to the Himalayas (northern and eastern India, northern Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, Yunnan), and Indochina (Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia). Plicatol B is a phenanthrene that can be isolated from Dendrobium moschatum. 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 moschatum
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 moschatum 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 moschatum
- Propagation
- Division, Keiki removal
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Aphids, Mealybugs, Red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dendrobium moschatum?
Dendrobium moschatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dendrobium moschatum need?
Dendrobium moschatum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dendrobium moschatum hardy in the UK?
Dendrobium moschatum 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 moschatum?
Division, Keiki removal.
More in the Dendrobium genus
- Dendrobiumdendrobium
- Dendrobium amplumblack-tongued orchid
- Dendrobium aphrodite
- Dendrobium bracteosum
- Dendrobium bullenianum
- Dendrobium bursigerum
- Dendrobium christyanum 'Lillian'
- Dendrobium chryseum
