Overview
Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' is a clump forming, columnar upright orchid in the genus Dendrobium, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' 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 wardianum 'Giganteum' is an orchid in the Orchidaceae with a columnar, clump-forming habit and evergreen foliage. It suits bright positions from full sun to partial shade and prefers a neutral loam that drains well. As a tender species (H1a) it must be kept sheltered and frost-free. Flowering in the UK occurs from February to July.
About the genus
Dendrobium is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is a very large genus, containing more than 1,800 species that are found in diverse habitats throughout much of south, east and southeast Asia, including China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Guinea, Vietnam and many of the islands of the Pacific. Orchids in this genus have roots that creep over the surface of trees or rocks, rarely having their roots in soil.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dendrobium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dendrobium
In the garden
Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' is a columnar, clump-forming orchid in the Orchidaceae, carrying evergreen leaves on upright growth. In cultivation it will produce its flowers in the UK between February and July. Its upright habit makes it an architectural plant for protected displays rather than outdoor borders. Place the plant where it receives plenty of light — full sun to partial shade — but remains in a sheltered spot to avoid cold drafts. Use a neutral, loam-based, free-draining compost and ensure the potting medium does not remain waterlogged; good drainage is essential. It tolerates east-, west-, north- and south-facing positions provided it is protected from exposure to severe weather. Hardiness is H1a, so keep plants frost-free: a heated greenhouse, conservatory or a bright interior window are the usual locations in the UK. It is best treated as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen rather than an outdoor perennial, and positioned to show its vertical stems where the flowers are readily visible from February through July.
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 wardianum 'Giganteum' 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 wardianum 'Giganteum'
- Propagation
- Division, Keiki removal
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Aphids, Mealybugs, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum'?
Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' need?
Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' hardy in the UK?
Dendrobium wardianum 'Giganteum' 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 wardianum 'Giganteum'?
Division, Keiki removal.
More in the Dendrobium genus
- Dendrobiumdendrobium
- Dendrobium nobile 'Sir F. W. Moore'Noble Dendrobium
- Dendrobium Diane Kouchi gx 'Kapaluhu Beauty'