About
A medium-sized, epiphytic orchid with long, upright, cane-like stems. Each stem (pseudobulb) is up to 40cm long, covered with silvery sheaths. Three to five dark green, leathery leaves are alternately arranged near the top of each cane. Flowering stems emerge from the leaf axils on mature canes and carry sprays of loosely spaced, 1cm small, scented flowers. Each flower is white, with the back of petals and sepals densely marked with dark pink dots.
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, West-facing, North-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with addition of sustainably sourced perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide dappled shade and higher humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, but cool room in autumn and winter. Cool growing Dendrobiums require longer period of winter rest. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. Average temperatures are 16-24°C in summer and 10-16°C during winter. 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 at least three, 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.