About
A small to medium-sized, deciduous, terrestrial orchid with cone-shaped pseudobulbs and bright-green, oval-shaped leaves. Flowering stems emerge from the centre of the new leaf rosettes in late spring and early summer. The leaves are approximately 30 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. Each flowering stem can measure up to 50 cm and carry hundreds of tiny yellow-green buds which turn into dark-pink flowers.
About the genus
Dienia comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, free-draining, bark-based orchid mix. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 13 °C minimum at night and up to maximum 24 °C during the day. Requires dry, winter rest when leafless. In spring and summer, water with soft water (ideally rainwater) when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant from sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied throughout the growing season. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips.
PruningNo pruning required other than removing spent flower stems
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-estastiblished plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth. See indoor orchid cultivation for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insect, aphids and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases