The Dendrobium Nobile is a cool
grower and has flowers that bloom along the
pseudobulb rather than form the top of the
pseudobulb on a raceme as the warm grower
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis.
TEMPERATURE: The nobile
dendrobium is very hardy. They truly love it
outside. If the temperature should drop to as low
as 38° F. at night there is little to worry
about, they can take it. However, if you are in a
possible frost area, protect these plants.
WATERING: In the spring of the
year when the pant is sending out new growth you
should be watering about once a week. During
periods of low humidity or when it is very hot,
spray the foliage especially if the plant has not
been watered in the last three to five days. Cut
down your watering of nobile type Dendrobiums in
September to induce bud formation which lots of
blooms come spring. In October water only when it
looks like your pseudobulbs are shriveling or it
gets very hot a good spray is beneficial. Water
should be withheld until such a time as flower
buds have clearly started their development in
the spring.
FERTILIZING: In the spring when
there is new growth showing it's time to start
with a high nitrogen fertilizer. It does not harm
to fertilize every time you water, but mix your
fertilizer at half strength recommended by the
manufacturer. Stop using high nitrogen fertilizer
in July and start using the high phosphorus
(10-30-20) and only when you have to water.
LIGHT: Only about 30 to 50%
shading is required during most of the year
provided there is a sufficient amount of air
movement over the plants. For good growth and
blooms it is generally recommended that you have
at least 1500 to 3000 foot candles.
POTTING MEDIUM: In So. Cal. fine
fir bark (1/8 to 1/4") is an excellent
medium. Other medium are osmunda, sphagnum moss,
New Zealand moss and numerous other mixes. As
with all orchid plants good drainage is a must.
Dendrobiums as a group like very small pots. As
an example, a plant with 3 to 4 pseudobulbs and
about 10 to 15" tall, a 3 to 4" pot is
adequate.