Orchids are popular indoor plants because they are distinguished by their unusual appearance and beautiful flowering. But since the orchid is a resident of the tropics, it will require special care at home.

In this article we will look at one of the popular types of this crop - the Dendrobium orchid, its main varieties and rules for caring for the flower.

The Dendrobium orchid is a representative of the genus of epiphytes. It is a plant 40-90 cm high. Its stem consists of cylindrical pseudobulbs. Leaves are arranged alternately on it, from the axils of which flower stalks grow, producing several fragrant flowers of different colors (Figure 1).

Figure 1. External features of Dendrobium orchids

This culture is easy to care for, so in popularity among all types of indoor orchids it is second only to phalaenopsis.

Types of Dendrobium orchids

Among the many species of Dendrobium, the most popular are the following species (Figure 2):

• King;
• Parisha;
• Noble dendrobium;
• Dendrobium moniliforme.

Let's take a closer look at the features of each of these types.

King's

Representatives of the species have rigid cylindrical stems, reaching a length of up to 30 cm. Their surface is covered with filmy leaf bases. Small flowers, from white to bright purple, are collected in a raceme at the top of the stem.

Parisha

A distinctive feature of this species is its fleshy stems, 30 to 40 cm long, with thickenings at the nodes. Their surface is shrouded in whitish leaf bases, which have a sharp oblong shape with a notched apex.

Figure 2. Main flower varieties: 1 - Kinga, 2 - Parisha, 3 - noble, 4 - moniliforme

Leafless peduncles bear lilac or pink flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter, slightly darkening towards the ends of the petals.

Noble

Dendrobium noble (Nobile) is the most favorite species among gardeners. It is a rather large plant. Its straight, fleshy stems bear oblong-shaped leathery leaves.

Peduncles form on last year's leafless shoots. They bear 2-3 flowers, whitish-cream at the base and lilac (pink) at the edges. The base of the flower has a dark purple spot.

Moniliform

This species is one of the oldest in culture. It is a miniature version of a noble variety. This plant has minimal requirements for growing conditions.

Note: It does not suffer from exposure to direct sunlight and does not require differences in night and day temperatures for full flowering.

Its root system does not rot if the substrate is not completely dried. This is why the moniliforme variety is so popular among indoor flower lovers. Its flowering period lasts from late winter to early autumn. Moreover, for each pseudobulb of the plant there are 1-2 inflorescences, which emit a light aroma.

Home care

Care is not particularly difficult. Its main points are sufficient daylight hours, increased humidity levels, differences in night and daytime ambient temperatures and a mandatory rest period, lasting from the beginning of November to the end of December (Figure 3).

Choosing a place for a flower

The culture loves bright sun very much. Therefore, when choosing a place for this flower in a room, give preference to east, southeast and southwest windows. But windows oriented to the south should be well shaded, since temperatures above +27 degrees have a detrimental effect on the plant. Alternatively, you can keep Dendrobium on southern windows in the autumn-winter period. When kept on northern windows, you will need to organize additional lighting using special lamps in autumn and winter.

As for the temperature regime, the flower feels comfortable at moderate temperatures: during the day +20+26, at night - +15+20 degrees. This natural temperature difference stimulates active development, promotes the formation of flower buds and guarantees abundant flowering.

Figure 3. Main stages of plant care

In the autumn-winter period, growth stops, so the temperature drops to +12+17 degrees during the daytime and to +10+13 at night. At the same time, it is necessary to provide the plant with intense light and reduce watering to achieve full flowering.

Watering, spraying

Since the plant comes from tropical rainforests, it is necessary to create conditions close to natural ones. Therefore, in a room with dry air, it is necessary to increase the humidity by spraying the flower with soft water at intervals of one day. High ambient temperatures and insufficient humidity lead to curvature and deformation of leaves.

The frequency of watering depends on the time of year. So, in spring and summer, watering is carried out once every 3-4 days, in autumn - once a week, and in winter - only once a month. At the same time, you should know that before each regular watering, the roots of the plant and the substrate must be completely dry. Watering is best done by placing the pot with the plant in a larger container filled with warm water for 10-15 minutes. Try to prevent water from getting on young bulbs so as not to cause them to rot. Before placing the crop in its permanent place, excess moisture should drain through the drainage holes in the pot.

Feeding the flower

Feeding is carried out during the period of active growth, that is, from April to September. Fertilizers are applied once every 2-4 weeks during watering using purchased complex mineral fertilizers intended for orchids.

Dendrobium orchid transplant

Like other types of orchids, Dendrobiums are replanted once every 2-3 years if necessary. This need arises when the roots of the plant grow too much and do not fit in the pot, as well as when the substrate becomes caking or oxidizes. Transplantation is carried out in the spring, when the flowering period is over and the flower itself is actively growing (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Methods for transplanting an orchid

An opaque pot is chosen as a container for planting, on the bottom of which a drainage layer of large pieces of bark is placed. The substrate is a special mixture of pine bark, foam balls and sphagnum moss. The transplanted plant can be watered after 7-10 days.

Choosing a pot

The plant can be grown either in opaque plastic pots or on a block of cork tree bark or peeled coconut. In any case, the container should be a little tight so that the plant is held securely and firmly in it.

Fertilizer

During the period of active growth, that is, from April to September, fertilization should be carried out by applying liquid complex fertilizers twice a month. You should be aware that the concentration of the irrigation agent should be two times weaker than the concentration specified in the instructions.

In addition, representatives of warm varieties should be fed monthly with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and orchids of cold varieties should be fed with nitrogen fertilizers (2-3 times a month).

You will find more information about caring for Dendrobium in the video.

Dendrobium orchid blooming

As a rule, flowering of this species occurs from mid-winter to mid-spring, after which a dormant period begins. This stage is very important for the plant, as it ensures future flowering. The fragrant inflorescences come in a variety of colors and bloom for 2 to 4 weeks. An insufficient rest period leads to the fact that the orchid will produce young shoots - babies - instead of flowers.

Care during flowering

To stimulate flowering that did not occur in mid-January, it is recommended to reduce watering and move the plant itself to the brightest place or use artificial supplementary lighting. You can also apply fertilizer containing phosphorus, or spray the plant several times with warm water (+30+35 degrees).

Care after flowering

After flowering ends, it is necessary to provide the orchid with a full period of rest. To do this, remove the peduncle and move the plant to a cool place, where you should gradually reduce and then stop watering. It is important to know that in winter conditions at our latitudes, Dendrobium can simply hibernate rather than remain in a period of rest.

Therefore, in winter, although the flower has already faded, do not forget to add additional light to it, because the dormant period does not mean that the plant is not developing: at this time, its roots are actively growing and preparing for the growing season.

Dendrobium can be propagated either by dividing the bush or by cuttings. At home, the second method is most often used (Figure 5).

Cuttings

This method of propagation involves separating pseudobulbs from the mother bush and cutting cuttings 10 cm long from them. The resulting planting material is stored in tightly sealed plastic bags filled with sphagnum moss, in bright diffused light and an ambient temperature of +22+25 degrees.

Figure 5. Methods of flower propagation: cuttings and dividing the bush

In this case, the bags must be ventilated every day, and the moss must be kept moist. After the cuttings take root, they are transplanted into a flower pot. With this method of propagation, the orchid blooms after 2-3 years.

Dividing the bush

An adult Dendrobium bush forms baby shoots on its stem. When they reach a length of 4-5 cm, and their roots reach 3-4 cm, you can begin propagating the orchid. To do this, you need to cut off the children with a section of the mother stem and plant them in a prepared nutrient mixture, which can be purchased at a flower shop, or you can make it yourself by finely crumbling the bark.

Since the roots of children are very delicate and can be easily injured during planting, it is recommended to first hold them for 10 minutes in warm water. For the same purpose, it is recommended to soak the nutrient substrate itself in water for a day. Children are planted several at a time in small pots.

The author of the video shows how to properly propagate an orchid.

Orchids are known as graceful, elegant plants. The Dendrobium orchid fully corresponds to these ideas. Her luxurious flowers are a feast for the eyes. The plant is not too demanding to care for, which increases its attractiveness to florists.

Main types

These days there are many different types of this orchid. The classic color of Dendrobium flowers is white and purple, yellowish and reddish tones are also common. Some varieties have flowers of mixed colors, differing along the edges and in the center.

Dendrobium orchid in nature

Dendrobium originally lived on trees or rocks. Numerous aerial roots are used to fix it, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air.

In total, about 1,500 species of Dendrobium orchids are known. They have stems called pseudobulbs, on which oval, leathery leaves about 10 cm long alternate. When the growing season comes to an end, the plant sheds its leaves; in healthy individuals, the shoots grow again and again.

Pseudobulbs take different shapes depending on the type of orchid. They can be tubular, fusiform or club-shaped. The length varies greatly: from a few centimeters to 1 m.

Numerous hybrid species come from Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium phalaenopsis. It is easy to distinguish them based on the arrangement of colors. Dendrobium nobile has flowers that grow from the edges of the previous year's stems; if they form only at the tip of the shoot, this is a sign of Dendrobium aphalaenopsis.

Dendrobium nobile

The second term "nobile" after Dendrobium translates as "noble". This is a large plant with straight, fleshy, tree-like stems. The oblong leathery leaves are arranged in two rows.

Dendrobium nobile

On last year's leafless shoots, short peduncles are formed, consisting of 2-3 flowers, containing ovoid petals, and elongated sepals, whitish in color at the base, lilac or pink at the edges. The flower sponge, covered with fine hairs, has a dark purple spot at the bottom. Flowering period is January-May.

Important! Caring for Dendrobium nobile is simple, which is why florists love to cultivate this variety of orchids.

King's

Royal Dendrobium is distinguished by its rigid, cone-shaped shoots at the top and cylindrical in the rest, up to 30 cm long. The whitish bases of the leaves tightly cover the stem.

Dendrobium kinga

The low terminal flower tip is made up of small, fragrant flowers ranging in color from white to bright red. The flower sponge is three-lobed, the sepals are fused with their lateral surfaces. February is the month of the appearance of the first flowers, which last up to 3-4 weeks.

Berry Oda

This orchid is a hybrid of Dendrobium kinga. When flowering, it emits a pleasant vanilla aroma.

Dendrobium Berry Oda

It has a long flowering period if the plant has good conditions: from May to December.

Hibiki

This is a miniature hybrid variety of Dendrobium, up to 15 cm in height for a fully formed plant. The main distinguishing features are bright flowers of double color: purple and orange. To start flowering, a pseudobulb 3 cm in size is enough; the buds last for over 30 days. The resulting inflorescences contain up to 8 flowers.

Dendrobium hibiki

The shoots are shortened, have a pinkish color, the leaves are dark green and dense. It blooms in March-April, the active period lasts up to five months.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis

A large type of orchid, the stems are long and fleshy. Leaves and flowers are located at the end of the stems. Large flowers reach a size of 3-8 cm; inflorescences contain from 5 to 40 flowers with colors ranging from white to pale pink, dark red and even crimson.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis

The inflorescences remain fresh for a long time, which makes them popular among florists when creating bouquets.

Dendrobium chrysotoxum

An orchid with yellow flowers and an intense honey aroma. It has rather large flowers, collected in inflorescences of 10-15 pieces. The leaves of Chrysotoxum are narrow and long, up to 10 cm.

Dendrobium chrysotoxum

Dendrobium trantuanii

Trantuniai grows naturally in the Vietnamese jungle. It is notable for its flattened stems, which give the plant an original appearance.

Dendrobium trantuanii

Long-lasting, large pale lilac flowers are located on individual stalks.

Dendrobium Moniliforme

Moniliforme is a Japanese rock orchid. Blooms at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring, secondary flowering is possible in the last summer month. The inflorescence has 1-2 fragrant flowers; there may be several of them on one stem.

Dendrobium Moniliforme

Color white, cream, yellow, green or pink. The peduncle is short, the petals have an elongated shape.

Important! Moniliforme tolerates cold and is one of the most unpretentious types of orchids.

Caring for indoor orchids

Those who grow a Dendrobium orchid note that caring for it at home is much easier than caring for other varieties of this plant. Orchids come from tropical and subtropical Asia, where they grow epiphytically, that is, they use other trees or stones as support. These very specific living conditions determine the care requirements.

Watering

The aerial roots of Dendrobium orchids should not be watered, but irrigated by immersion. This procedure is repeated weekly.

Watering a Dendrobium orchid

Basic rules of irrigation:

1. Place the root ball in water once a week;
2. Before re-immersion, the substrate should not be too dry;
3. Water is taken at room temperature, with a low calcium content, ideally without it at all. Hard water damages plants;
4. After immersing the pot in water, you need to wait until air bubbles rise to the surface of the water;

Important! Do not leave the roots in water for more than half an hour; immediately drain the water after finishing the procedure.

1. Rainwater is ideal for watering and spraying orchids;
2. The humidity in the room should be at least 50% and should be checked periodically. If humidity levels are low, the orchid needs spraying;
3. If it is necessary to feed the plant, fertilizers are dissolved in water. You should never use excessive amounts of them; it is better to underfeed than overfeed. It is recommended to use special commercially available fertilizers for orchids;
4. Fertilizing is done during the growing season, in summer.

Important! If the humidity is constantly very low, it is necessary to regularly spray the Dendrobium orchid, especially if it is located next to a heating radiator. It is preferable to spray in the morning.

Room temperature

To keep your Dendrobium orchid healthy, home care involves maintaining the correct temperature. The plant feels good at temperatures from +16°C to +23°C. If the room is too hot, this can cause problems. In winter, Dendrobium prefers temperatures between +16°C and +18°C. Cold temperatures below +10°C should be avoided.

Lighting

This type of orchid is a light-loving one, but the blazing midday sun can cause unsightly leaf burns. At home, they are found under the canopy of host plants in dense jungles, so they are protected from the sun.

Orchid bark

If the plant is placed on an open southern window, it is better to use a protective curtain that creates diffused light. In winter, it is necessary to use additional lighting, for example, fluorescent lamps.

The soil

Regular potting soil is not suitable for orchids. For them, it is important to use a special soil, which is a plant substrate consisting of bast, charcoal, pieces of bark, peat and foam flakes. Many florists prepare it themselves. Before filling the substrate, a drainage layer of small pebbles or brick chips is placed at the bottom of the pot. The surface of the soil is covered with bark.

Important! It is not allowed to use compounds containing calcium, for example, limestone, as drainage.

Bloom

The flowering time of an orchid depends on the species. This usually happens in spring, summer or after winter rest. During this period, it is necessary to provide regular fertilizing and watering. During dormancy, on the contrary, irrigation should be reduced and the temperature should not exceed +18°C.

Reasons for lack of flowering

Lack of flowering is mainly observed if the plant is not properly cared for. Only in some cases, various pests interfere with this.

Possible reasons:

1. Insufficient coolness during the rest period. If the temperature remains high, then instead of flowers, babies will form on the pseudobulbs. A difference in day and night temperatures of up to 5-7 °C has a good effect on the plant;
2. The plant does not have enough light, it is necessary to organize additional lighting;
3. The orchid's watering schedule is not followed.

Important! Irrigation is suspended after the growth of shoots stops; the signal will be the formation of leaves at their tips. When flower buds appear, watering, on the contrary, should be increased.

Reproduction methods

You can propagate the Dendrobium orchid at home in two ways: through division and secondary shoots.

Division

Although this method of propagating Dendrobium is the simplest, only older, large individuals whose rhizomes can be divided are suitable for it. The cut is treated with ground cinnamon. The separated parts must contain at least four pseudobulbs. Typically, one plant produces only two new ones.

Dividing an orchid bush

The selected parts are placed in pots with a smaller substrate. Before young shoots appear, watering should be very sparse. Some gardeners recommend not watering at all for 7 days. After the first escape, you can begin caring as usual.

Cuttings

To make cuttings, old stems that have already dropped their leaves are used. At the first stage, the main task is to get children. To do this, cut cuttings treated with charcoal are placed in greenhouse conditions, which can be a plastic container, the bottom of which is lined with sphagnum. The cover must contain holes for ventilation.

Orchid cuttings in a container

The cuttings are placed directly on the sphagnum and sprayed with the growth stimulator "Epin". Then the container is placed in a warm place.

Important! The wait for children to appear can be up to six months. In this case, constant monitoring of the greenhouse is necessary in order to ensure the required temperature, lighting, sufficient humidity, but to prevent the appearance of mold.

The children are separated from the cuttings only when 2-4 roots appear, then they can be planted in a separate container.

Flower transplant

An ornamental plant feels more comfortable in small vessels, however, if the root system has grown too large, the plant needs to be replanted. You should not choose pots that are too large - they often contain excess moisture, which can cause symptoms of rot in the orchid. During a normal transplant, the following rules must be observed:

1. Replant the plant approximately once every 2-3 years;
2. The ideal time for transplantation is spring;
3. Carefully remove the orchid from the old pot;
4. Remove old plant substrate;
5. Cut off rotten, dried and damaged parts of the plant, including leaves, buds and roots;
6. Select a new container size with enough space for at least two shoots;
7. Carefully insert the plant, placing the oldest shoot at the edge of the pot;
8. Fill the pot with fresh plant substrate and press lightly;
9. To ensure that the substrate is distributed evenly, you can lightly shake the pot.

Dendrobium orchid transplant

The technology for planting children differs from transplanting an adult plant:

1. Carefully separate the young shoots with roots from the cuttings and treat the cut areas with charcoal;
2. Place a drainage pad in the prepared pots, insert the sprout and sprinkle with substrate;
3. Place the pot in another container. When the air temperature is high, water the substrate directly. If it's cool, you can pour a little water into the outer container only;
4. When new leaves and roots appear, you can gradually begin feeding;
5. After a year, transplant the young plant into a larger pot.

Care after flowering

After flowering, the plant needs a long rest period. Feeding stops and the amount of water decreases. Old shoots gradually lose their leaves, but they are not cut off, as new flowers can form there.

Planting Dendrobium babies

Once the new shoots reach a length of 5 cm, the orchid can again be placed in a warmer place, watering and fertilizing is slowly increased.

Typically, the Dendrobium orchid does not need to be pruned, but dead parts of the plant are removed before they begin to rot:

1. Periodically cut off dead flowers, leaves and shoots;

Important! Signs of dead parts of the plant are yellow or brown, very dry, and may be translucent.

1. Slightly yellowed leaves, like old pseudobulbs, remain on the orchid;
2. Dead and rotten roots are cut off, ideally during transplantation;
3. Cutting begins carefully, better gradually than all at once;
4. Be sure to use a sharp cutting tool to avoid squeezing the plant.

The recommendations presented are universal for all varieties of Dendrobium; in order to choose the optimal care and enjoy the beautiful appearance of a healthy plant, it is better to find out the specific type of your orchid and study its individual characteristics.

The dendrobium orchid, a photo of which you can see in this article, is perfection itself! Every indoor plant lover dreams of growing this flower, it is so beautiful. As part of our publication, we will consider the varieties of dendrobium orchids, photos and names of the most popular varieties. Next, we’ll find out how difficult it is to care for an orchid and breed it at home.

From the history of the plant

Olaf Schwartz (Swedish scientist, botanist) discovered the described orchid on the Caribbean islands in 1799. It was this botanist who gave the name to the plant, and in translation from Greek, dendrobium means “living on a tree.” Indeed, the dendrobium orchid (there is a photo in the article), that is, most of its species, belongs to epiphytic plants. But there are also lithophytes, which grow not on trees, but on stones.

There are more than one and a half thousand species of dendrobium orchids. Photos and names of all varieties simply won’t fit in one article, so next we’ll talk about the most beautiful and popular of them. In the wild, these exquisite plants are found in New Zealand, Japan, New Guinea, the Philippine Islands, Australia, Polynesia and South Asia. But wild species do not adapt to life in apartment conditions at all, so scientists have bred dendrobium hybrids, which today are in second place in popularity among orchids - the first rightfully belongs to phalaenopsis.

External description

There are many varieties of dendrobium orchids, and they all differ significantly from each other. Bushes can grow up to several centimeters - dwarf species, or up to more than a meter - giant varieties. In apartments you can most often find orchids no more than 90 cm high.

Like most epiphytic plants, the roots of dendrobium are aerial and covered with hygroscopic multilayer spongy dead tissue - velamen. The root system of a dendrobium is like a brain for a living creature. The roots are responsible for performing vital functions - from securing the plant in its place of growth to absorbing moisture and nutrients from the substrate and accumulating them.

An adult plant consists of several stems, one of them is the main one, the rest are pseudobulbs, but leaves and flowers bloom on them, and roots begin to grow down. The life of one shoot is short - no more than 4 years (with proper care). And this can be attributed to the shortcomings of culture. But looking at the photo of the dendrobium orchid, you simply forget about all its shortcomings, because it is miraculously good. If you have one flower and you love it and like it, then you will need to take care of its propagation in a timely manner. We'll talk about how to propagate dendrobium further.

Dendrobium foliage is green and can be located either along the entire length of the stem or only at the top - depending on the species. The leaves are oblong, but have different shapes - depending on the variety.

The size of the flowers and the duration of flowering depend on the variety; the diameter of one flower can be from 4 to 10 cm, with 1-4 pieces on one peduncle. The color can be white, lilac, pink, yellow, orange, there are varieties with petals of several colors.

The types of dendrobium are diverse, each is good in its own way, and therefore it is simply impossible to determine which is the most beautiful! We invite you to familiarize yourself with the description of the most popular varieties.

Noble (nobile)

This variety can be found in almost all true orchid lovers. Nobile is a picky plant native to the Himalayas, where the noble orchid adorns the mountain slopes with its blooms.

There are more than 80 varieties. The color of the flowers is white at the base, purple along the edges. New petals of the plant appear from the roots and form a sprout that lives up to four years. In the photo of Dendrobium nobile above, you can clearly see the beautiful flowers.

Nobile is a rather tall orchid, reaching 90 cm. At the beginning of life, the stems are slender, erect, fleshy, but in old age they can not only bend over, but also lie down. Peduncles are formed on shoots of the second year of life; 3-4 flowers bloom on one, each of which can reach 10 cm in diameter. The aroma is pleasant.

Sometimes this orchid misses flowering even with proper care. This should not bother you: the plant is simply resting, and next season it will delight you with abundant flowering, large flowers will bloom on shoots of any age (except one-year-olds). Flowers bloom from January to May.

Yamomoto

This is a line of hybrids based on Nobile. The bushes are lower - up to 50 cm. Flowering is abundant, several times a year. The color of the flowers is bright, like that of Nobile. Caring for a Yamomoto is very simple.

The most popular varieties: Yellow Song, Fancy Angel, Spring Dream, New Century and others.

Lindley

This is an epiphytic variety, low - the stems are only 8 cm in height and have an oblong-rounded shape. The orchid was named in honor of the scientist Lindley John.

As you can judge from the photo, the Lindley dendrobium orchid has an unusual appearance. Long flower stalks that seem to flow from the pot - that’s why many people fell in love with the variety! The flowers are golden yellow, numerous, and have a pleasant aroma.

King's

This is also an epiphytic species of orchid. The stems are straight, up to half a meter in height. The foliage is up to 30 cm long, but narrow - up to 3 cm. At the crown there is a peduncle, on which there are up to 7 small flowers with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. The color can be any, shades vary from pure white to deep purple. The flowers are special - the lip is three-lobed, and the sepals are fused on the sides. The flowers bloom at their peak in March, last a month, the aroma is pleasant, reminiscent of vanilla.

Dense-flowered

From the photo of the dendrobium orchid, you can see how beautiful the plant is! Height - no more than 45 cm, stems are tetrahedral, strong, fleshy. The foliage is located at the very top. On the tops of the heads, thick, hanging flower stalks also appear. One racemose inflorescence can contain up to a hundred flowers, emitting a pleasant aroma. The color of the petals is yellow, the lowered lip has an orange tint. The diameter of one flower is up to 5 cm, but they take their quantity (from the photo of dendrobium flowers you can see that the flowering is dense).

Flowering begins in February and usually lasts until August. The flowers wither after 2 weeks, but fresh ones bloom to replace them. Peak in April and May.

Dendrobium is beautiful

The height of the stems is up to 7 cm; leaves grow on their tops - long and fleshy. Flowering in spring and late summer. The flowers are not large, up to 3 cm in diameter, but have a beautiful color (hence the name). The petals are snow-white, and against their background a bright yellow lip flaunts as a bright spot. The center of the orchid is red. This variety should only be grown in a south, east or west window, as it loves the sun very much. Stable ventilation is a must; the beautiful dendrobium also loves fresh air.

Fringed

This species is distinguished by its impressive growth: the bush can grow from 60 centimeters to more than one and a half meters! The foliage is long (up to 15 cm), grows in two rows. The dendrobium flower (photo above) can produce more than 50 peduncles, each of which has 15 flowers, their diameter ranges from 4 to 6 cm. Flowering is abundant and may not stop all year (peak in spring). The flowers last for 10 days and have a slightly sour smell (but pleasant).

Longhorned

This variety is rarely found among ordinary lovers of indoor plants in apartments, and all because the flowering is short - only a couple of weeks a year. But what beautiful flowers (diameter up to 6 cm)! The main feature is the long petals resembling horns, which are located around the center with an unusual-looking lip. The bush itself is also small, growing up to 25 cm.

Christie

The orchid received its name in honor of the scientist Thomas Christie, who was very fond of orchids. The bush is low, only up to 14 cm in length (pseudobulbs up to 8 cm). The foliage is green, up to 6 cm, covered with black hairs on the back. The peduncles are short, each with only 1 flower 5 cm in diameter. The color of the petals is white-cream, the central part of the lip is bright orange. Flowering is long lasting, lasting from July to October. The flowers themselves last a long time too. Above you can see a photo of a dendrobium orchid with the cute name Christie.

Caring for these beauties at home is a sore point for beginning gardeners. The rest of the publication is dedicated to him.

Growing season and transplantation

1. In March, April and until June, dendrobiums actively grow, but this only applies to the above-ground part of the plants. You will notice that during this time the main stem, pseudobulbs and foliage will grow.


2. From May to September, rapid growth of the root system is observed.


3. From the first autumn month to the last winter month is the dormant period of the orchid; at this time flower buds are laid.


4. From February to March - the beginning of flowering of dendrobium.

These are the average growing seasons, and if everything is a little different for you, shifted (for example, flowering begins in January or only in May) - do not worry, this is quite normal. Immediately after flowering (complete), orchids need to be replanted. But this is not done every year, but once every 2-4 years.

Dendrobium should be replanted only when there are really good reasons for it:

• the substrate is highly compacted, severe salinity;


• critical pH values ​​(high or low), the norm for an orchid is from 5.5 to 6.5;


• the pot has become small, and the pseudobulbs simply begin to hang out of the pot.

The optimal time to transfer an orchid to a new pot is when the pseudobulbs grow to 5 cm and they begin to form their own root system.

Next, we’ll find out what kind of care a dendrobium orchid requires at home (photos of well-groomed and healthy plants will help you understand what a flower should be like if you provide the culture with proper conditions).

How to provoke flowering?

Why do dendrobiums bloom in winter and spring? It’s just that this plant requires lower temperatures to bloom, and at high temperatures the flower buds simply turn into babies. It is more comfortable for dendrobiums to bloom when the temperature during the day does not exceed +18 °C, and at night it completely drops to +12...+15 °C!

How to make an orchid bloom beautifully? Follow the instructions:

1. As soon as pseudobulbs appear, stop watering until they reach 2 centimeters in height and roots begin to appear.


2. Start watering, but stop when the new pseudobulbs reach the same size as the old ones.


3. Lack of watering can last up to several weeks! It will be possible to resume it only when the buds begin to bloom. If you don’t wait for this time, then instead of beautiful flowers you will get babies.

Proper watering

Dendrobium needs abundant watering only during periods of active growth - once every 2-3 days. Make sure that the substrate dries completely between procedures. If the pot is too large and the substrate does not dry out within 3 days, water less often. Drain the water from the pan; it may cause the roots to rot. Water for irrigation is used only at room temperature, settled.

In winter (during the dormant period), the orchid is watered less frequently, only when the substrate is completely dry.

When watering, do not allow water to get into the hollow at the roots.

Orchids love high humidity, so to ensure comfort for your pets in the summer, spray every day. In winter, do not spray, just wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, and place wet towels on the radiators.

The best watering is the immersion method. Place the pot in a container of water, wait 10 to 20 minutes until the bark is soaked. Next, let the water drain, blot the leaf axils with a dry cloth if liquid gets there.

Top dressing

Dendrobium needs feeding. To do this, buy only those fertilizers that have a note on the packaging that they can be used for orchids! In summer, fertilizing is done every third watering, in winter - once a month.

Dendrobiums love cool weather, so the temperature in the room should not exceed 22 degrees Celsius. The growing container is small, filled with a well-drained substrate, the composition can be as follows: one part each of charcoal, pine bark and rotted leaves, half of the part is river sand.

But there are also more heat-loving species of dendrobium and more cold-loving ones. Some may require up to +25 degrees, while others need a temperature no higher than +15 degrees! Be sure to familiarize yourself with information about the specific variety being grown.

There are deciduous dendrobiums - they completely shed their foliage during the dormant period. At this time, it may seem that the plant has died. Many people manage to throw it away, not knowing that in a couple of months the flower will be covered with leaves again.

Otherwise, dendrobium orchids require the same care. The photos used in the article as illustrations show how beautiful the plant is. It can be the same for you if you follow all the recommendations and surround it with care and attention.

Reproduction

You can propagate an orchid by dividing the bush, because new pseudobulbs appear in it every year.

You can use the cutting method: cut the shoot into cuttings at nodes, each with live buds. Root in sphagnum, then plant in the substrate.

Babies appear on the shoots, and you can also use them to propagate the orchid (in any case, they must be removed).

The hardy plant can survive in temperatures ranging from 3 to 42 C.

Dendrobium will become the decoration and pride of your home only in optimal conditions. Life cycle period:

• To increase green mass:
  • Day - 24°С-27°С;
  • Night - Not higher than 22°C-24°C.
• To stimulate flowering:
  • Day - 24°С-25°С;
  • Night — 24̊-25̊, optimally 18̊-20̊.

The difference between day and night temperatures is mandatory for those who want have a healthy plant in flowers. You should not go beyond the optimal temperatures of 16°C-30°C.

Transplantation and care after purchase in a store

Having bought a blooming orchid, don't rush to replant it. Replanting is possible only after flowering has ended and for sufficient reasons, otherwise it will only cause harm to the plant.

Watering and fertilizing

In the warm season, during the period of active plant growth, need more frequent than in winter and autumn.

If the plant is green and fresh, the roots are clean and free of rot, then watering is optimally selected.

It is worth moving to a new pot only for good reasons:

• The old pot became small;
• Young shoots have turned yellow, or there are dark spots on the roots and the plant needs help;
• The soil has “worn out” - it has turned black, crumbled, and does not “support” the plant.

Technology

To prevent roots injured by transplantation from rotting, it is necessary to refrain from watering. Only light spraying is acceptable.

The soil is not compacted so as not to damage the roots.

Features of care after flowering

The cold season is approaching, the soil will take longer to dry out. Water less often.

Reproduction methods at home

Cuttings

You can cut through some time after flowering, no later than a year. Cut the former flower stalks about 10 cm long. The sections should be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon (chalk is also suitable) and dried.

Seedlings need to be rooted. A wide container is filled with damp sphagnum moss and the cuttings are placed horizontally.

To create a humid microclimate covered with glass or film and ventilate for 5 minutes every day.

This method requires the use of a root former, for example, epin.

After three weeks, roots will begin to appear, and when real pseudobulbs grow after two months, you can replant into soil for orchids.

Bulbs

From the top of the plant cut off a young, new pseudobulb, on which there were no peduncles. For rooting, the same container as for cuttings is suitable.

If you create warm conditions with constant high humidity, after a few months there will be new sockets, from which full-fledged plants can develop.

When each new plant has grown roots of sufficient length, you can plant in a separate pot in soil for orchids.

Children

Sprouts, or regularly appear on a healthy plant. When the new shoot grows roots more than 5 cm long, it can be carefully separated and planted in the usual way, and after a couple of years you can admire the first flowering.

Growing problems

The leaves are turning yellow

When dormancy begins, some leaves may naturally turn yellow and can be safely removed.

A serious reason to pay attention to the health of the plant is young leaves at the top. In this case, you should replant into new, clean soil.

Some orchids do not tolerate transplantation into new soil and produce yellowing leaves.

Before transplanting, the roots need to be washed, leaving only clean and healthy ones. Cut off the diseased areas with a clean, sharp knife and sprinkle with crushed coal.

For 48 hours wrap the roots in film, and then plant it in clean soil. Another possible reason is simply not enough light.

Doesn't bloom for a long time

Dendrobium nobile can in the third year after planting, when has grown a sufficient mass of leaves:

• Check if conditions are optimal;
• Wait until the period of rest or adaptation to new conditions ends.

Well heals the plant and promotes flowering biostimulant succinic acid. The drug is used strictly according to the instructions, the plant is sprayed once a month.

Flowers and buds fall

At the cost of great effort, the flower grew buds, and they will bloom any day now.
A natural desire arises to show off, to admire the beauty, and the hostess proudly carries the pot to the most visible place... And the orchid experiencing extreme stress. And soon all the buds sadly lie on the floor...

Do not move an orchid that is blooming or in buds; this is a difficult test for it. The only thing worse is the transplant:

• A still life of a blooming orchid and a bowl of fruit can end badly! When stored, fruits emit ethylene gas, which is harmful to orchids;
• Drafts and transportation in frost are unfavorable for delicate buds.

Main varieties

Natural Dendrobium nobile, or Dendrobium nobile nobilis, served as the basis for a huge variety of hybrids.

It is not possible to buy a natural species in a store, but this is for the best, since the hybrids are adapted to growing in human habitation.

Multi-colored hybrid plants are often sold at the same price under the name mix.

Through the efforts of botanist geneticists, hybrids have been bred dendrobium nobile mini small size.

Apollo

Snowy white corolla with a yellow center.

Dendrobium Nobile Apollo.

Star

Bright colorful colors of purple petals with a contrasting yellow lip.

Dendrobium Nobile Star Class White.

Useful video

Find out in the video what the Dendrobium Nobile orchid looks like:

Watch the video on how to care for the Dendrobium Nobile orchid:

Video instructions for transplanting the Dendrobium Nobile orchid:

Find out in the video how to propagate the Dendrobium Nobile orchid:

Dendrobium nobile is deservedly popular for lovers of exotic flowers thanks to its attractive appearance and relatively easy care.

By devoting a little time to studying the necessary living conditions of an exotic, you can become a real pro for this wonderful species of orchid.

In contact with

Kira Stoletova

The Dendrobium orchid belongs to the genus of the orchid family; plants differ in shape and variety of colors, characteristics of growth and development. Having studied the rules of care, replanting and propagation of the Dendrobium orchid, you will be able to grow a beautiful flower at home.

Description of the variety

Dendrobium is an unpretentious variety, suitable for growing at home. The name Dendrobium means it grows on a tree. Dendrobium has about 1200 varieties, which have their own characteristics. The root system of the plant is represented by a rhizome, which is a shoot that unites pseudobulbs.

Dendrobium orchids at home grow from 40 to 90 cm in height, cylindrical pseudobulbs are located on the stem, lanceolate leaves are 5-10 cm. Peduncles grow with 1-4 flowers. In nature, the colors of Dendrobium orchids are different: white, yellow, orange, lilac and others. The birthplace of the flower is Australia, the countries of southern Asia, and New Zealand.

Types of orchids

Indoor varieties of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium Noble (Royal Blue, Beautiful Black, Noble White) are suitable for growing at home.

Dendrobium flowers of the Noble and Bukeshotsveshny varieties grow and usually do not shed their leaves, but this happens only in some cases.

Other types of Dendrobium orchids are common in the warm temperate zone: Nestor, Polar Fire, Mini, Starclass, Compactum, Sena Red, Parisha, Moniliforme.

Dendrobium Pierard

The Pierara variety represents the orchid family and sheds its leaves before flowering. This species belongs to the moderately cold temperature zone. During the leafless phase, orchids are abandoned plants; at the end of the dormant phase, leaves appear on them.

Dendrobium King

Dendrobium Kinga (Kingianum), rock orchid - has cylindrical stems, covered with white scales, grows up to 25-30 cm. The length of Kinga's leaves is 10 cm, width - 2-3 cm, they are large and thin. 5-7 flowers grow on the upper peduncle; their colors are white, with a pink tint, and purple. Inflorescences consist of 2-9 flowers, with a diameter of up to 1 cm. In the spring, when sprouts appear, water and fertilize; during the dormant period, stop watering.

Dendrobium berry

Berry ode is a bush form of the hybrid that blooms from late spring until winter. The flowers come in different shades: from white to dark crimson. Grows up to 30 cm, up to 9 flowers appear on inflorescences.

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis

The second name of the plant is Dendrobium two-humped (Biggibum). The leaves of the plant are dense, hard, the pseudobulb grows up to 60 cm. The flowering period of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is 3-4 months. Phalaenopsis is a plant that loves warmth, good lighting and 50% humidity. When the pseudobulb buds have awakened, a new shoot is formed.

Dendrobium Stardust

Stardust has a thin and long pseudobulb: up to 50 cm long, 1.5-2 cm wide. The leaves are lanceolate, the flowers are pale yellow or red-orange with dark veins, reaching 6 cm in diameter.

Dendrobium Aggregatum

Dendrobium crowded (Agregatum, Lindley) - grow pseudobulbs up to 7 cm in length, have a yellowish, furrowed color. The leaf is single, up to 6 cm long, dark green in color. The inflorescence has 5-15 flowers of golden or yellow color with orange lines. The flowers are fragrant, up to 4 cm in diameter, and smell of honey. The codaceous, pale green leaves grow up to 10 cm in length.

Dendrobium Farmery

Farmeri grows up to 30-45 cm, pseudobulbs are erect. The length of the leaves reaches 8-15 cm, 2-4 units grow at the top of the bulb. The peduncle hangs down to 20-30 cm in length; several peduncles can be produced at the same time. The inflorescences consist of 14-35 flowers with a diameter of up to 5 cm. The flowering period is spring.

Apollo

Apollo is a hybrid with dense pseudobulbs and green leaves. Several flowers with a pleasant smell ripen on the peduncles.

Hibiki

Hibiki has beautiful small pink flowers with an orange throat. The flowers are located along the pseudobulb, along its entire length. The height of the bulb is 12 cm.

Harveyanum

Harveyanum needs to be grown in light, air- and water-permeable soil for orchids, height from 15 to 23 cm, flowering time - from mid-January to December.

Emma, ​​Sonya

Emma, ​​Sonya - 30-60 cm in height, available in white, pink and gold colors.

Nobile, Akatsuki

Varieties Nobile (Mobile, nobile), Nobi and Akatsuki have a lilac color and a light lip, the flower grows up to 4 cm. The aroma of Dendrobium Nobi, Nobile, Akatsuki is weak floral, saturated in the first half of the day in a sunny place. Plants contain 3-4 pseudobulbs covered with flowers.

Papilio

According to the description, the Dendrobium Papilios flower grows from 30 to 45 cm, the soil is light, water- and breathable for orchids, and blooms from January to December. Pseudobulbs are 30-45 cm long, leaves are 4-5 cm long, flower diameter is 4-7 cm.

Nobile Irene Smile

Nobile Irene Smile (Dendrobium Nobi, Nobile, Nobilis, Nobile, Star Class Lilac) - white indoor hybrids, flowering time about 12 weeks, height 50 cm, have fleshy pseudobulb stems and green leaves. Teenage plants are used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and relieve physical fatigue; the drugs are available in capsules.

Loddigesa

Loddigeza has a color range from pink to purple, height 10-20 cm, pseudobulbs 8-15 cm long. One flower grows on a peduncle. The plant will bloom from February to June with a peak in April. In nature, there are cases when Loddigeza does not bloom; it should be forced to form buds and buds.

Growing

Feng Shui supports growing orchids at home, based on it, plants are female flowers. Dendrobium is easy to grow at home if special conditions and requirements are met.

Temperature

Dendrobium is heat-loving, in winter the temperature during the day is 15-20° C, at night - 6-12° C.

In summer, for the Dendrobium orchid, the temperature during the day is 18-25 ° C, at night - 14-20 ° C.

The temperature during the resting period in winter is 15-18° C at night, 20-25° C during the day.

Lighting

The eastern and western sides of the house are suitable; the southern window will need darkening.

Watering

In spring and summer, water well during growth, keeping the soil moist. In winter, the orchid needs to be watered less frequently and kept dry.

Care

Studying the rules of replanting, choosing a pot, substrate, and watering will help you figure out how to properly care for your Dendrobium orchid.

Transfer

Dendrobium orchids are transplanted every 3 years, provided:

• compaction or decomposition of the substrate;
• the container is filled with roots;
• acidification or salinization of the substrate from irrigation;
• root rotting;
• After purchase, the orchid is replanted.

Replanting plants should be done carefully, as orchid roots are fragile.

Pot for transplanting

Opaque pots are selected for transplantation. It will be possible to transplant an orchid if you follow the rules:

• the orchid is kept in a solution of succinic acid for 10-15 minutes (the tablet is dissolved in 1 liter of warm water);
• the roots fill with moisture and change color to greenish-milky;
• then they are dried for 30 minutes and placed on a substrate in a pot;
• pseudobulbs are placed closer to the edge;
• the root collar remains on top;
• if the roots are evenly spaced, the gaps are covered with bark.

Watering

Water the Dendrobium after 3-14 days, this depends on the size of the roots and the healing of wounds from damage received during transplantation.

Substrate for dendrobium

Caring for Dendrobium includes choosing a substrate when planting. The main components are:

• medium sized pine bark;
• charcoal;
• crushed foam;
• pebbles;
• broken brick.

Before use, the substrate is disinfected - poured with boiling water and dried.

Consequences of improper care

The problem is caused by improper care and will require intensive care.

Root rot

Damage to the root system occurs due to improper care:

• excess moisture of the substrate;
• overfeeding with fertilizers;
• caked substrate;
• lack of watering;
• overheating of the plant.

If the orchid is tightly in the pot, the roots are in order, if they are brown, hollow, slimy, it is worth addressing the problem. The flower is pulled out of the pot, roots with damage or rot should be cut off. Then they are sprayed with a solution of phytosporin; the ground part is also subject to treatment. The orchid should be replanted in new soil after the moisture has dried.

The trunk is rotting

The trunk begins to rot from the bottom up. This happens due to the development of root rot. When signs of the disease are detected, treatment with phytosporin and transplantation into new soil are used.

Dendrobium withers

Due to improper care of the Dendrobium orchid, the leaves wither and turn yellow, they become lethargic and fall off. Main reasons:

• spider mite attack;
• leaves begin to rot due to waterlogging;
• tissues atrophy due to lack of moisture;
• Root damage often occurs.

If the orchid leaves have become soft and look like a rag, they are cut off and the cut areas are treated with a fungicide, watering is stopped until the soil dries to 2/3 of the height of the container.

Appearance of cracks

Cracks begin to appear in the following cases:

• if the plant falls or the leaf bends, mechanical damage begins to appear;
• excess amount of nitrogen - to save the roots, they are removed from the substrate, new soil will be needed for replanting, they are fed with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers for 3 months, restoration will last a year;
• temperature changes, hypothermia after watering;
• Failures in watering lead to leaf damage.

The leaves are turning yellow

Causes of yellowing:

• the flower grows old;
• exposed to diseases and pests;
• a chemical burn caused by fertilizers or growth stimulants appears on the stem or other parts of the plant;
• stresses experienced: relocation, lack of lighting, humidity, unfavorable air temperature, errors in watering.

If the leaves of the plant have turned yellow, step-by-step measures are taken to treat and rehabilitate it.

Loss of buds and flowers

Reasons for dropping buds:

• change of habitat;
• lack of lighting;
• overheat;
• incorrect watering;
• hypothermia.

Planting an orchid should not be near fruits; they emit ethylene, which affects the aging of flowers and buds.

Sticky drops

Sticky droplets may appear on leaves, bulbs and young shoots. The reasons for their occurrence: attracting insects, protection from external factors, excess fertilizer, errors in watering and the presence of pests.

Orchid propagation

Dendrobium propagates by children, by cuttings and by dividing the bush.

Reproduction by children

The baby is a small shoot with the beginnings of roots.

It will be possible to separate and place the baby:

• if the baby has grown to 5 cm, it is cut off;
• the roots are nourished with moisture;
• the baby is placed in a half-filled pot;
• the substrate is added and compacted;
• the growth point remains at the top.

The seedling is secured with a support; greenhouse conditions are not needed. It is necessary to spray the top layer of the substrate between waterings. Closer to autumn, children with roots grow on the stems; they should be separated and planted in new pots.

Propagation by seeds

Reproduction by seeds has its own characteristics. Seeds are sown on a nutrient medium in special flasks and grown in a laboratory.

Dividing the bush

How to divide a bush:

• pseudobulbs are separated from the mother plant;
• cuts are made into cuttings with 2-3 nodes, 10 cm long;
• planting is carried out on damp sphagnum, in an area closed with a zip bag or in a greenhouse.

The temperature is maintained at 20-25°C; ventilation and watering of the planted plants are required. After 2-3 weeks, the plant takes root on the cuttings, then they should be planted in pots with substrate.

Cuttings at home

Cuttings are a method of propagating Dendrobium, in which the apical part of the shoot is cut off or the shoot is divided into parts 10-12 cm long. The cuttings are kept in the root solution for 24 hours, after which they take root in a sterile container, and water is added to the bottom of the container. After a few months, the plants will have a developed root system and are ready for planting.

Propagating Dendrobium by cuttings at home is a simple way. Rooting cuttings will not be quick, the process will last about six months, this is the negative side of the propagation method.

Another method

Another way to propagate the plant is by cutting off the faded stems of the plant at ground level. They are then placed horizontally on damp sand and kept damp for several months.

Diseases

Proper care for orchids is of great importance, thanks to it the plants are preserved from diseases.

Fungal infections

To treat fungal infections, the plant is treated with the fungicide Ridomil Gold.

Infections are identified:

1. Phyllosticosis - yellow spots appear, darken, leaves dry out and rot.
2. Fusarium blotch damages leaves, pseudobulbs, flowers, and buds. The causative agent of the disease penetrates the orchid through damaged leaves and roots. Dendrobium cannot be completely cured; it is isolated from flowers, the sections are cut and disinfected. In spring or summer, the flower is transplanted into new soil and pot.
3. Gray rot appears as small watery spots on flowers and buds and is caused by a fungus of the genus Botryties.
4. Cercospora infection begins with a yellow spot on the bottom of the leaf and then spreads to the upper part. The spots cover the entire leaf, causing it to fall off the plant.
5. Botrytis - gray spots appear on leaves and pseudobulbs. The disease occurs due to high humidity, poor ventilation, excess nitrogen, and poor lighting. The diseased orchid is removed from the plant and treated with a fungicide.

Bacterial rot

Bacterial rot is treated with a copper-based fungicide; copper sulfate is suitable for treatment. Parts with damage are cut off and removed, the remaining parts must be treated with fungicide 2-3 times every 10 days.

Bacterial rot appears as brown spots, less often watery with a yellowish color. You can revive the plant by spraying it and around it with a fungicide before and after wet weather. Once the disease is identified, the infected area is cut out and treated with a fugicide.

Pseudomonas can be treated by destroying bacteria and eliminating their localization in the environment, where they can persist and infect the plant. Infections on the leaves are treated with hydrogen peroxide.

DENDROBIUM ORCHID: HOW TO GROW DENDROBIUM ORCHID CORRECTLY.

Pests

Dangerous pests:

• spider mite;
• thrips;
• scale insect;
• mealybug.

They harm the foliage and flowers of the orchid, and the plant dies. If detected, it is necessary to begin treating the plant.

Pest Control

Insecticides will help fight pests: Fitoverm, Biotlin, Vermitek, Aktara, Sunmite and others. They also regulate the humidity around the plant and wash the leaves every 2 weeks with a soap solution.

To prevent and protect orchids from pests, you need to ventilate the premises and avoid drafts.

Conclusion

The Dendrobium orchid is distinguished by its variety of species and the ability to propagate it at home. With proper care you can grow a beautiful plant.