This warm growing type of
Dendrobium is usually referred to as the
Phalaenopsis type Dendrobium. The plant is
evergreen and flower spikes emanate from the top
of the pseudobulb on a raceme. Sometimes spikes
are produced several years in a row from the same
pseudobulb. New bulbs also produce new spikes and
a large plant can be quite spectacular.
TEMPERATURE: The Phalaenopsis
type of Dendrobium prefers a greenhouse or
sheltered area. This warm grower likes
temperatures in the 60° to 70° F. range (16°
to 18° C.) with good air movement.
WATERING: Since this is an
evergreen it should be kept moist at all times.
During the growing season they require a great
deal of water. When the flower spikes appear that
is the time to reduce your watering but be sure
not to allow the canes or pseudobulbs to shrivel.
Watering about once a week should be adequate.
During very hot dry spells increase your watering
cycle to once every three or four days.
FERTILIZING: In the spring when
there is new growth showing that is the time to
start fertilizing with high nitrogen. It does not
harm to fertilize every time you water provided
you mix your fertilizer half the strength
recommended by the manufacturer. In July or
August start using fertilizer that is high in
phosphorus.
LIGHT: Only about 50% shading is
required during most of the year. Make sure that
there is adequate air movement at all times, day
or night. It is generally recommended that you
have about 1500-3000 foot candles of light as a
minimum for proper growth.
POTTING MEDIUM: In So. Cal. fine
bark (1/8 to 1/4") is an excellent medium.
Other medium are osmunda, sphagnum moss, New
Zealand moss, charcoal, blue granite, and/or lava
rock. 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.