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growing dendrobium orchids |
| Orchid Care > Growing Dendrobium Orchids |
Growing Dendrobium Orchids
There are many things to keep in mind when growing dendrobium orchids|
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First and foremost let me admit. Since the dendrobium species thrive in such a wide variety of habitats, it is somewhat dangerous to make generalizations about growing dendrobium orchids. Each species has their own micro culture requirements. Yet if you provide what they need they'll do well for you. Still here's a safe to make… Growing Dendrobium Orchids Rule of Thumb: Those with origins in Southeast Asia need cool dry winter rest. Which is attractive to orchid lovers. It means you can get by with minimum care and attention to temperature during the winter. |
Guidelines for Growing Dendrobium Orchids
These tips apply more to the popular dendrobium phalaenopsis which produce slender sprays of blossoms. Rewarding hobbyists with a profusion of blossom in the Fall.Watering
I often start off any care instructions with watering. As that's where most beginners go wrong.
In nature many Dendrobiums experience a wet and a dry season. For that reason evergreen Dendrobiums require heavy watering during their spring and summer growing season. In the fall ease up on the water. Non-evergreens also need lots of growing season watering. But as their leaves die back, signaling their rest period, cut back on the water. Letting them go from a period of somewhat dry to weeks they get very dry. Again depending on the species.
Fertilizing
As you'd do with most orchids, feed Dendrobiums heavily during their growing season. Cutting back or eliminating feeding during their rest period.
Termperature
Preferred day temps range from 70-90° F. With night temps in the 55-63° F range. Again variability is the rule. For instance dendrobium nobile will typically do well in cooler temperature while dendrobium phalaenopsis like warmer conditions.
Lighting
Dendrobiums prefer rather intense light. Along the lines of cattleyas Which means they should do well in a well lit south facing window.
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Growing Dendrobium Orchids |
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