About
Dendrochilum glumaceum, the silver chain orchid, is one of the most widely grown and rewarding of all dendrochilums, producing arching, pendant racemes of up to 80 tiny, sweetly anise-scented, cream or white flowers in spring. A charming and fragrant epiphytic orchid for a cool to intermediate heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Dendrochilum are epiphytic orchids from Southeast Asia with pseudobulbs bearing a single, linear to oval leaf and arching, chain-like racemes of numerous, small, fragrant flowers. The pendant sprays of tiny flowers are a distinctive and elegant feature, quite unlike most other orchid genera. Grown in cool to intermediate heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright, Pendulous weeping, Tufted
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toPhilippines
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a basket 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 light and sufficient humidity by misting regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding during the rest period in winter. For a successfull cultivation, the plant requires good air movement, and a significant drop of temperature between day and night 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.