The genus of orchids dendrobium it is one of the largest groups, hosting about 2000 species. All come from the Asian continent, exclusively from Southeast Asia, although today they are suitable for all types of climates, temperatures, humidity and even altitude.
The Orchid d.endrobium they are usually epiphytes, which means they need other plants to live, but not for food but rather as foundations to grow.
For this reason, in some forests or jungles of Southeast Asia, many species of orchids can be found growing on the branches of trees.
Most orchids dendrobium They emit a very pretty bloom in warm colors and pastel tones. Among all the species of the genus, some emit flowers all along the stem and others only in the upper part. Others, on the contrary, have a deciduous attitude (they lose their leaves in autumn to enter dormancy) and others, perennials, are active 365 days a year.
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kinds of orchids dendrobium
Dendrobium orchids can be classified into 6 main groups, each of which has well-differentiated characteristics, although similar care.
dendrobium phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis It is the best known and most commercial group of the remaining 6, being able to find several of its varieties in large supermarkets, nurseries or garden centers. The whole group are evergreen varieties, preferring warm areas to grow. They flower in the fall, and if they go dormant due to cooler temperatures for 1 month, they may put out new flowers in the spring.
The best known species of this group are;
- D.williamsianum
- D.biggibum
- D. affine
- D.dicupum
Dendrobium spatulate
is another group of evergreen orchids, consisting of varieties that have the ability to bloom several times a year. The varieties that are part of this group are.
- D.antennatum
- D.canaliculatum
- to discolor
- D. gouldi
- d johannis
- Linear D.
- D.stratiotes
- D. streblockers
- D. taurine.
Mainly this group of orchids dendrobium differs from the rest because does not require the winter rest period to start flowering.
dendrobium
This generic group is in turn classified into 2 categories. The Type 1 includes a special group of orchid varieties dendrobium hanging stems.
They usually bloom during the summer season, in summer, and lose their leaves when the cold weather comes, in winter. These orchids need a period of winter rest where they benefit from cooler and drier conditions.
Species in this group include, D.chrysanthum, D.nobile Yes D. friedricksianum.
The type 2 of dendrobium It includes deciduous species that completely hibernate in winter (they do not need irrigation at this time). The best known species of this type are D. primulinus, D. anosmum, D. crassinode, D. loddigesii, D. transparencies, D. falconeri, D. fimbriatum, D. findlayanum, D. loddigesii, D. moniliforme, D. parisii, Yes D. heterocarp.
dendrobium callista
This group requires warm conditions in summer and lower temperatures in winter, with drier ambient humidity. It is home to varieties such as D. aggregatum, D. chrysotoxum, D. densiflorum, D. farmeri Yes D.thyrsiflorum .
Dendrobium latouria
It includes species like D.spectabile, D. macrophyllum Yes D. atroviolaceum. The tonality of its flowering is usually yellow with green tones, requiring a period of winter rest to reactivate flowering.
dendrobium Formosae
It is home to varieties such as D. bellatulum, D. dearii, D. draconis, D. formosum, D. infundibulum, D. lowii, D. lyonii, D. margaritaceum, D. sanderae Yes D. schuetzii.
This group of orchids needs cooler conditions than other groups for most of the year, around 10-15 ºC.

orchid care dendrobium
As mentioned, orchids dendrobium they form a genus that includes thousands of species. Although it is difficult to generalize their care, there is common ground for most of them.
In general, the orchid dendrobium It needs somewhat warm environmental conditions, generally above 15°C, without exceeding 30°C, especially during its development.
Although some types of orchids need early pruning to stimulate future flowering, for Dendrobium orchids what they mainly need is the winter dormancy period.
This period is characterized by a reduction in the usual temperatures of its growth stage by 5-10 ºC, as well as a general drop in humidity and irrigation.
As an added curiosity, some varieties of Dendrobium bloom only once a year, while others can do so up to 5 times a year. It all depends on the species and care.
They can be grown indoors, as they are generally easy to maintain. The main needs are related to providing them with the right environment (light, temperature and humidity).
At container level, the orchids dendrobium They also require specific requirements, with small pots that hold the roots tight.
Location, temperatures and humidity
Orchids dendrobium they prefer warm environments and do best when daytime temperatures are between 20 and 30 ºC.
On the other hand, at night they prefer a temperature between 10 and 20 ºC. This noticeable change in temperature of almost 10 ºC promotes its growth and lengthens the flowering phase.
Humidity-wise, they need something more than many other houseplants, with relative humidity between 60-70%. However, drier environments do not harm orchids excessively. dendrobium and can be grown without major problems.
light needs
In terms of lighting, orchids are used to partial light (several hours a day), subdued or partial shade. They can be located near south-facing windows without direct sunlight
Substrate type
The choice of substrate is an important part in the care of orchids dendrobiumbecause it is quite different from what is usually done with other non-epiphytic plants.
The most practical is to buy a special substrate for orchidsgenerally composed of bark, gravel and very porous elements that drain water very quickly.
If you prefer to prepare it yourself, it usually consists of a mixture of equal parts peat, perlite and fir bark.
Orchid substrate 5l.
- Coarse-grained substrate that facilitates root aeration for these plants.
- It facilitates the power to carry out photosynthesis through this complex root system with which they are endowed.
- Formulated with expanded clay beads and
- high quality coir shavings
How to water orchids dendrobium
Irrigation is another important part of growing orchids of this genus. Although they generally live in a humid environment (jungles and tropical forests), this humidity should never accumulate in the substrate, since the roots are quite sensitive.
Root rot is a disease that eventually kills the plant, causing flower and leaf drop and causing hard-to-resolve stem spots.
During the growing season, spring, summer, the optimum is water weekly. From the beginning of autumn, it is important to reduce the quantity and frequency of watering. If it has lost its leaves because it is a deciduous species, water only when you notice the pseudobulbs beginning to wilt.

Use of fertilizer
It is common practice to use a liquid fertilizer for orchids, at a reduced dose (usually 1 ml/L of water, but it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions) and during the growth period.
These fertilizers have a 1-1-2 NPK ratio in their composition (for example, NPK 4-5-8) and contain microelements and biostimulants (amino acids).
multiplication of orchids
If your orchid has at least four vigorous, well-developed stems, it can be divided to form new, identical plants.
- Use a large, stiff knife to cut through the rhizome and all of the root mass, trying to keep the root mass as intact as possible.
- Clean the roots of the substrate and then cut the longest, brown or directly dry ones.
- Place the plant in a container slightly larger than its root mass, covering the spaces left with the substrate specially designed for them.
- A few days after transplanting, water the orchid to complete the transplanting process.
orchid transplant dendrobium
The genus of orchid Dendrobium It does well in almost any pot, especially those with good drainage. It is usually transplanted every 2 or 3 years (in the spring), when you notice that the roots are sticking out of the pot and it has physically become a bit small.
You can also transplant when you notice that the substrate has lost its original composition, with much smaller pieces of bark and the drainage conditions have deteriorated.
Stimulates the flowering of orchids
Most orchids dendrobium They have flower clusters that stay in bloom for 6-8 weeks. Spring and summer are the most common bloom times, although depending on the species, multiple bloom times can occur throughout the year.
Inadequate temperatures can also cause orchids to reduce flowering. Applying fertilizer as we have recommended is an important part of stimulating and lengthening this period.
make orchids dendrobium reblooming is a temperature dependent factor, giving it in 3 or 4 weeks a 10 degree drop in temperature and reducing irrigation to a minimum.