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February 2000 This month ONT will focus on the genus: Dendrobium
The genus Dendrobium is also known as the "Spray Orchid". Dendrobiums are very popular in the retail trade. Dendrobiums, like most other cultivated orchids, are epiphytes (air plants). They have quite large pseudobulbs which are used for water-storage. These pseudobulbs are often referred to as "canes" for their upright, leafy appearance. Dendrobiums should be potted in a porous and free-draining mix. Although there are many different types of dendrobiums available, hybrids involving dendrobium phalaenopsis are the most popular. LIGHT: It is important to provide your plants with sufficient light for healthy growth and flower production. PROVIDE: Your dendrobium plants must be provided with bright light with 50 percent sun. If you grow your Dendrobiums in your home, place them in an east, west or lightly shaded north window. If you grow your dendrobiums in a greenhouse, provide them with 30 to 50 percent full sun. If you grow your plants under lights, use four 40 watt fluorescent tubes and two 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over the plants. Plants should be naturally erect, without need of much staking, and of a medium olive-green colour. TEMPERATURE: Mature dendrobium plants need a 10 to 15 degrees Celsius difference between night and day. Provide your plants with a night-time temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and day-time temperatures of 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Dendrobiums can tolerate temperatures of up to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, if humidity and air-circulation are increased. Low temperatures, below 10 degrees Celsius, may cause leaf drop. WATER: Keep your dendrobiums evenly moist while your plants are in active growth. Allow your plants to dry between watering after the growth is mature. (When the leaves have stopped growing). HUMIDITY: Dendrobiums need 50 to 60 percent humidity. If you grow your plants in the home, place them on a tray of moistened pebbles. If you grow your plants in the greenhouse, use a humidifier if the conditions are too dry. FERTILISER: Must he provided on a regular basis during the active growing period. PROVIDE: The exact type of fertiliser you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing. A good general rule is to use a balanced (10- 10-10, 12-12-12 or similar ratio) fertiliser weakly diluted on a weekly basis. Thus, fertilise every week at one quarter of the recommended dilution. POTTING: Should be done every two to thee years before the potting mix loses its consistency. Pot firmly in medium, that gives good aeration and ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years' growth. Dendrobiums grow best in pots small for the size of the plant. PLEASE NOTE: The above information is only a general guideline on growing your dendrobium. Next month we will focus on the origins of orchid growing.
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