How to Care for Your Orchids

Based on cultural instructions originally generated by McBeans Orchids.

Incorporating BMOS Members Suggestions.

DENDROBIUM

Quite a large group with a diverse variety of flower types, however the general cultivation necessities are much the same for all Dendrobiums. The usual variety commonly grown and known is the Nobile hybrids.

CULTIVATION.

TEMPERATURE

During the night between 16.5 and 18.5 degrees C, do not let the night temperature fall to 12 degrees C as although the plant will be okay it will only "tick over" and not produce new growth or flowers. Day time temperatures between 21 and 30 degrees C though they will not be harmed by higher daytime values providing good to high humidity is maintained and that there is a good airflow.

LIGHT

As Dendrobiums come from the tropics they require good light BUT not direct summer sun so a south facing window would tend to burn the leaves.

WATERING

This is probably the most difficult aspect of Dendrobium culture for much depends on the time of year and your own microclimate conditions. They like plenty of water when in flower BUT must never be allowed to stand in water and must be allowed to almost completely dry out between watering. After flowering the need much less water as Dendrobiums require a rest period when, in some types and cases, they may drop (lose) all their leaves, however, if the pseudobulbs remains unwithered and green no harm will befall the plant. It must be noted though that leaf fall at other times and possibly during the rest period could be due to over watering so be careful to ensure almost complete during out between watering.

FEEDING

Except during the rest period, which is usually around eight to twelve weeks, feed regularly. You could use an orchid feed as these are designed to be at the right strength and contain all the necessary minerals etc BUT a general-purpose houseplant feed at half to quarter strength works just as well. Whatever feeds you use leave it out at every fourth watering to allow excess salts and minerals to be flushed out.

HUMIDITY

Like all orchids bar a very few Dendrobiums like quite humid conditions so stand the pot on constantly wet gravel/pebbles but make sure the bottom of the pot is above the water. Another way to keep a humid atmosphere is to grow orchids alongside or among ferns. Gentle misting early in the morning can also help but is not always practical in an inside house situation.

COMPOST

Light and free draining is the key and many have success with just bark. You could make your own growing medium by using one part fibrous compost, one part course Perlite, two parts bark and a small quantity of charcoal.

REPOTTING

Only at need! Dendrobiums do NOT like disturbance so only repot when the plant has completely filled the pot, move to one size larger pot and only do this in early spring.

OTHER NOTES

Dendrobiums do NOT like draughts and will not tolerate standing next to, indeed near, a heat source such as a heater or radiator. The occasional browning and drop of an older leaf is natural so don’t panic. If you suspect leaf lose is due to over watering try stopping watering for four to six weeks which may encourage new root growth.