About
Dendrobium nobile, the noble dendrobium, is one of the most popular and widely grown of all orchids, producing cane-like, upright to arching pseudobulbs to 60 cm long with pairs of oblong, dark-green leaves. In late winter and spring, clusters of two to three fragrant, white-and-pink-tipped flowers with a dark-maroon-centred lip emerge from nodes along the length of the previous year's canes. Deciduous in autumn; needs a cool, dry winter rest to initiate flowering.
About the genus
Dendrobium are one of the largest genera of orchids, comprising epiphytic and terrestrial species from tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia and the Pacific. They produce elongated, cane-like or club-shaped pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves, and racemes of showy flowers from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Dendrobium span a huge range of sizes, habits and cultural requirements.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS & SE Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night above 10°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring and keep dry in winter. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free