Dendrobium Orchid Care

Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobiums grow best in high indirect sunlight. A western or southern window give proper light exposure which should be filtered in the summer months with a sheer or open blinds. Dendrobiums have pseudobulbs that let them store water, so they don't need as much water as other orchids. Water once a week in winter and spring. Twice in summer. Use a humidity tray (covered in phal care posting) to raise the humidity around the orchid. Dendrobiums bloom once a year on new stalks. They are heavy feeders. Feed three out of four waterings with an even orchid fertilizer. In fall stop feeding and pull back on the water to only once a week until the flower stalks appear at the top of a cane. Increase water to regular schedule until flowers open, then once a week (YET AGAIN!) to keep flowers longer. Cool night temperatures help with blooming.

Dendrobiums like to be pot bound. It is not unusual to see a two foot tall dendrobium in a four inch pot. If it keeps falling over, like mine, place the whole thing in a larger decorative pot.