Care of Dendrobium Orchids
Author: Robert Roy Article source: http://www.kabish.com/. Used with author's permission.
Dendrobiums
This month I am focusing our attention to the care of Dendrobiums. These are one of the most popular of retail orchid plants. They are a true epiphyte or air plant. There pseudopods can gather and hold water very efficiently. Generally there will be a hybrid phalaenopsis and dendrobium, commonly known as Dtps.
Potting
This needs only to be done every two to three years and it should be with a porous, free draining media. This may be a combination of wood chips, small stone and and pieces of styrofoam peanuts. This will allow the draining of water and fertilizer. Dendrobiums seem to grow best when the pot is smaller than the size of the orchid plant.
Lighting
The dendrobium orchids require about 50% sun or bright light. They will do well in an east or west window as well as a shaded south window.
They also do well under 4 - 40 watt fluorescent lights directly over the plant.
Temperature
These plants need a difference in temperature between the night and day. Preferably this difference should be about 10 - 15 degrees. The night temps they like is 60-65 with days between 80 - 90.
Air circulation is needed and is especially when the temps are above 90 degrees.
Water
Like most orchids Dendrobiums need to be kept moist while actively growing. When it is mature, as are most of orchids-plus-more.com plants they should dry between watering.
Dendrobiums thrive when the humidity is about 50 - 60%. Humidity trays are usually needed while the plant is in the home.
Fertilizer
Use a balance fertilizer like Jack's Classic 20-20-20. Use weakly, weekly. That is, use a solution which is between 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended dosage.
Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com
Comments or questions: http://www.orchids-plus-more.com/orchid-contact.html This site is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsietta plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for months. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.
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