How to Care for Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium orchids are stunning flowers that require careful attention from their growers, but overall, they are quite hardy. To help the plant thrive, create a well-ventilated environment with moderate temperature and humidity. Additionally, water and feed the plant weekly, ensuring it receives plenty of sunlight.

Plant dendrobium orchids in small pots. The roots of dendrobium orchids do not spread widely, so they grow best in compact spaces. Choose a pot that is no larger than 2.5 cm wider than the plant's root ball. Avoid planting them in large pots or directly in the ground, as they prefer stability in smaller areas.

Use a growing medium that doesn't contain soil. Dendrobium orchids do not thrive in conventional soil. It's recommended to buy a specialized orchid growing medium from a plant store or online. You can also opt for orchid growing materials such as pine bark, coconut husk, or sphagnum moss.

• Many pre-mixed orchid growing mediums contain charcoal used in agriculture.

Maintain a cool to moderately warm temperature environment. Dendrobium orchids grow best in climates with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C. At night, the plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 13-16°C. It’s best to grow them indoors where you can monitor and adjust the temperature, especially during extreme seasons like summer and winter.

• If you move the plants outdoors in mild weather, place them under direct sunlight and bring them back inside when the temperature drops at night.
• Keep in mind that window sills or areas near windows can be warmer or cooler than other parts of the house.

Create an airy space for good airflow around the plant. Proper airflow around the orchid can prevent issues like fungal infections and pest infestations. Ensure the plant has no obstructions within its perimeter and leave at least 13 cm of space around it for sufficient air circulation.

• Place a small fan near the plant to improve airflow when the air becomes stagnant.
• When watering, ensure no water remains standing on the soil surface.

Provide natural light or use grow lights that simulate natural sunlight. Orchids need ample light for healthy growth. It's best to place them near a window with partial shade to protect them from direct sunlight, which could harm the plant. If natural light isn't available, use grow lights for 14-16 hours during the day to simulate sunlight.

• When setting up grow lights, use one warm white bulb and one cool bulb attached beneath a reflective lamp shade.
• Grow lights can be found at gardening stores or online.
• Place the lights about 20 cm above the plant.

Water the plant once a week and allow the top layer of soil to dry completely between waterings. Dendrobium orchids are better at storing water and handling dry conditions than they are at tolerating overwatering. It’s recommended to water the plant every 1-2 weeks. Let the top 2.5 cm of soil dry completely before watering again.

• Some varieties of dendrobium orchids have pseudobulbs that store water, so they might not need watering for up to 2 weeks.
• It's best to water the orchids in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nighttime.

Fertilize with a diluted orchid-specific fertilizer once a week. Purchase a balanced fertilizer designed for orchids and dilute it with water at a ratio of 4:1. Follow the instructions for weekly fertilization.

• Alternatively, you can use undiluted fertilizer and apply it once a month.

Maintain a minimum humidity of 50% for the orchid. A humidity level of 50-70% is ideal for dendrobium orchids. You can increase humidity by placing a humidifier near the plant. Another way to boost humidity is by setting a shallow tray of water near the plant to raise the surrounding moisture.

• Do not place the orchid directly in the water tray, as standing water may cause the roots to rot over time.

Cut off the spent flowers to encourage new growth. After the flowers on the plant have faded, use sharp scissors to cut the flower stem, making a diagonal cut just above where the flower spike emerged. This will help stimulate new shoots during the plant's next growing season.

• If you don't prune the orchid after the flowers fade, the plant may not flower again.

Increase humidity in the room if the plant's leaves become dry. If you notice dry or dead leaves on the orchid, gently remove them. If an entire branch is dry, use sharp scissors to cut it at the base. To prevent leaf dryness, increase humidity in the room with a humidifier.

• Browning leaf tips are also a sign that the plant is too dry.

Move the orchid to a shadier spot if the leaves start turning yellow. Yellowing leaves often indicate sunburn or temperature shock in the orchid. If you observe these symptoms, relocate the plant to a cooler area with less direct sunlight. Water the plant or increase humidity around it to combat the dryness issue.

Remove mealybugs from the orchid using rubbing alcohol. Mealybugs are one of the primary pests that affect orchids. If you spot these tiny insects, around 0.5 - 0.8 mm in length, take action immediately to prevent damage to the plant. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the surface of the plant to kill the mealybugs.

• After 1-2 days, treat the plant again to remove any yellow spots, which are from newly hatched mealybugs.
• Do not use other types of alcohol such as ethanol or methanol, as they may harm the plant.