Dendrobium Orchid Care

Den. thyrsiflorum

Image courtesy of gentiane

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Most of these plants like bright light, 2000-3000 footcandles, similar to Cattleya orchids. If there's sunburn or the leaves are turning red, give it less light. Otherwise, keep experimenting to find out how much more light it can tolerate. Give them as much light as they can handle.

Temperature requirements vary widely. Plants sold at supermarkets and other mass-market places will tend to like intermediate temperatures, as they are chosen to do well in typical homes. But in general, you'll have to read up on your particular species.

Most of these plants (but not all) like to dry out between waterings. If your plant drops all its leaves, it isn't dead! It's entered a dry rest, and proper after bloom care for this species means it shouldn't be watered until it starts growing again, except the bare minimum needed to keep the pseudobulbs from shriveling. This is a common adaptation in orchids from areas with a dry season.

I don't think of these as being particularly picky about humidity, but provide about 70% humidity if you can.

They like to be a bit underpotted, so that the roots fill the pot pretty densely. This can make them tip over easily, so clay orchid pots can help make tall plants more stable than lighter plastic pots would. Orchid potting mixes based on fir bark are most common.

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