Dendrobium orchid: planting, care, replanting, propagation

Post-procedure care

Temperature, lighting and humidity

After transplanting, it is recommended to remove the dendrobium to a room with high humidity or provide it with daily spraying and sufficient light (10-15 hours a day).

But under no circumstances should you install it in direct sunlight. The optimal room temperature should be between 22-25° C.

If the transplant is carried out for the purpose of propagation, then the plant is removed to a shaded place with a temperature of about 20° C.

When and how to water?

The plant is not watered immediately after transplantation. The root system must dry well to avoid rot. Watering begins after 7-10 days, carefully, without getting on the leaves, along the edge of the pot onto the substrate.

When and what to feed?

Additional nutrition is provided only during the period of active growth. And since active growth has not yet begun after transplantation, the orchid does not need feeding.

The only thing recommended to do during this period is spraying the leaves with a glucose solution.

Dendrobium parisha

Dendrobium parishii (Latin name - Dendrobium parishii) is a representative of the Orchid family, which grows in China, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and the Himalayas. Its natural habitat is trees, that is, the plant is epiphytic, at an altitude of 250 to 1700 m above sea level. A characteristic feature of dendrobium are leaves measuring about 10 cm in length and 4-5 cm in width. The peduncles are quite short, but each peduncle contains from one to three flowers.

These flowers have a rich pink color with dark spots inside the lip. The diameter of parish flowers reaches from 4 to 6 cm. The front part of the flower lip is slightly shaggy.

This species name has several synonyms: Callista parishii, Callista rhodopterygia, Dendrobium polyphlebium and Dendrobium rhodopterygium.

Temperature, light, humidity

Moderate temperature conditions are quite suitable for Dendrobium Parisha.

In summer 25-25 degrees,
In winter from 10 to 22.

A prerequisite for keeping orchids is a difference of several degrees (4-8) between night and day temperatures.

Dendrobium parishii is a lover of bright natural light. It even tolerates direct sunlight with virtually no problems. At the same time, the leaves become several tones lighter, and small dark spots may also appear on them.

Regarding the location of the flower in the house, it should be noted that northern windows are a good choice, but on their window sills the orchid will practically stop blooming. Southern, western and eastern windows are more suitable for placing an orchid pot.

Of course, in the natural habitat of Dendrobium Parisha, the air humidity is quite high, about 60%. But there is no need to maintain humidity at this level in the room. To humidify the air around the orchid, you can use a tray of water. In conditions of high humidity, ventilate the room as often as possible!

Watering

Watering Dendrobium is directly related to the temperature in the room: the higher the temperature, the more often watering should be done. Excess water must flow freely from the container with the flower. The hot shower method is perfect for watering.

The substrate must dry out between waterings.

Fertilizer

The frequency of fertilizing dendrobium parish depends on the growth phase of the plant. During the period of active growth, the plant should be fertilized once every 2-3 weeks. For this, use only special fertilizers for orchids. Fertilizers high in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen work well.

Substrate and transplant

The substrate for orchids, and specifically dendrobiums, has been discussed in many articles on this site. Dendrobium parisha is no exception in this matter. A mixture based on coniferous bark and moss is perfect for the substrate. It is also possible to grow dendrobium in pure moss.

It is absolutely not necessary to replant dendrobium often. Replant only when the new young shoots have sent out their small roots. Transplantation is also necessary when the shortcomings of the substrate, namely compaction, become noticeable. Salinization, changes in structure.

Bloom

The flowering period of Dendrobium parishii is from May to August. After flowering, it is recommended to remove the peduncle and, if necessary, replant the orchid.

Quite often, orchid lovers complain that their favorites rarely bloom or do not bloom at all.

Reasons for orchid non-blooming:

Insufficient lighting
No temperature changes
Improper flower care.

Care for your dendrobium correctly and you will be pleased with the results!

Basic care issues after flowering

Caring for a Dendrobium orchid after flowering at home is required so that the plant can please us again with its beautiful blooms as soon as possible. On average, this species blooms from 8 to 12 weeks and is one of the most popular varieties of orchids. The main condition that must be met in any situation is the difference between day and night temperatures.

The Dendrobium orchid is very popular among amateur gardeners.

After the orchid has bloomed, the first thing to do is:

Stop watering;
Get rid of the old peduncle;
Ensure a decrease in temperature, namely: move the flower to a cooler place. This way it can get ready to bloom again.

Experienced gardeners recommend not placing the plant in a dark place, as it may “hibernate,” which means stopping growth.

The Dendrobium orchid reproduces in two ways:

Propagation by cuttings;
And propagation by peduncle.

IMPORTANT! For sufficient lighting, especially in winter, experts recommend purchasing a phytolamp.

Description

The dendrobium flower, as befits a representative of the orchid family, grows on trees, being a kind of parasite.
The name of this plant was also given based on its lifestyle: from Greek dendrobium is translated as “living on a tree.” However, unlike the exotic queen of the jungle, this subspecies grows in lowland or foothill forests. The islands of Oceania, Australia, and New Zealand can boast of such luxury. You can also find the dendrobium flower in tropical Asia, China, the Philippines and Japan. Moreover, some subspecies of the dendrobium orchid grow not only on trees (epiphytes), but also on stones (lithophytes). In European countries, oddly enough, this heat-loving plant has taken root extremely well. And orchid keepers are so attached to it that they try to keep several subspecies at home at the same time. This passion can be easily explained, because almost all dendrobium flowers are characterized by a pleasant, light aroma.

And what could better decorate any home than a bright spot in the form of an exotic representative of the flora. It is especially pleasant to observe this beauty in the winter season, when the palette of colors on the street is limited to shades of gray, black and white.

Light

Dendrobium grows not only in specialized flower beds, greenhouses or conservatories; this orchid easily takes root at home. Experts only focus on the fact that in mid-spring and autumn, overseas guests should be placed on window sills on the south side. In summer, when daylight hours are much longer, it is better to change the location to the western or eastern sides. Such scrupulousness will not be superfluous, since the flower loves not only warmth, but also moist air. And direct sunlight on the leaves, roots and flowers can lead to the death of the dendrobium, like any other orchid.

Hydration

As for watering, this is good news for the most forgetful ladies. After all, the dendrobium flower does not require daily replenishment with water. For normal life, one “refueling” is enough for him for the whole week. Although, the period may increase by a day or two, since the substrate in the plant pot must be dry before watering. Florists advise especially zealous flower growers to spray the leaves of their pet with a spray bottle in hot weather. According to experts, this technique will help the flower feel like it is in its native tropical climate. Moist moss placed in a pot with a plant will also not be amiss. It will have the same effect, but on the root system.

Priming

Never, ever listen to assurances about replacing a special substrate for this family with regular soil for flowers. If you do not have the opportunity or means to purchase a special mixture in the store, you can do it yourself - make the substrate yourself. For this you need tree bark (pine is recommended), charcoal and moss. All this can be found in almost any forest or forested area. The main thing is to have time to prepare the soil itself and the desire to tinker. And if there are no financial limitations, then the simplest thing is to buy a ready-made substrate at a florist store and pamper your pet with high-quality soil for growth and development.

How to propagate?

Each reproduction method has its own technology, compliance with which will be the key to a positive result.

Dividing the bush

Dividing the dendrobium into 2 or more specimens is considered an effective method of propagation.
The main condition is that the plant has at least 6 shoots. Step by step process:

the orchid is removed from the pot, the old substrate is removed;
straighten the roots, cut off dry ones;
determine the division sites so that for each part there are 2 pseudobulbs and the same number of young shoots;
wounds are sterilized;
planted in pre-prepared pots in dry soil;
the next day, the flowers are watered and normal growing conditions are provided.

Cuttings

The peculiarity of dendrobium as a sympodial species of orchid is that the bush grows horizontally. As a result, new shoots are formed, and old ones lose leaves and reduce the decorative effect of the flower. But they are the ones that are suitable for the cutting method.

Stages of work:

The shoot is separated at the root with a sterile knife from the mother bush.
Cut into pieces of 10 cm.
Wounds are treated with charcoal, cinnamon, and hydrogen peroxide.
Sphagnum moss is placed in the container and moistened.
The cuttings are laid out on it, covered with a lid or wrapped in a transparent plastic bag and secured.
Keep at a temperature of +20-25 °C, ventilate once a day.
If desired, spray 1-2 times with Epin solution.
After 2-3 weeks, roots will begin to appear. Young plants are transplanted into ordinary pots.

When using the cutting method, dendrobium blooms for 2-3 years.

If germinated cuttings are exposed to low temperatures (from +15 °C and below), then flower stalks will grow from the buds instead of children. Such plants are not suitable as planting material and are thrown away.

Children

This method is considered the most popular and simplest. To stimulate the development of children, do the following:

reduce watering;
increase the temperature to +30 °C;
humidity is increased to 70%;
fertilize with fertilizer containing nitrogen.

A pseudobulb will appear from the awakening bud. When 4-5 leaves appear, 2-3 roots appear and the length of the shoot reaches 5-8 cm, the children are ready for planting.

Further actions:

a sharp knife or blade is disinfected with alcohol;
cut off the pseudobulb under its base;
wounds are treated with activated carbon, cinnamon or brilliant green;
the babies are left to dry for 1 day;
prepare a small pot with a fine fraction substrate and plant the shoot there.

When planting, the growing point is not buried.

Water for the first time on days 2-4. During denrobium rooting, humidity is maintained at 70-80%, daylight hours are increased to 14 hours a day. The optimal temperature is +22-25 °C.

If children do not have roots, then it makes sense to stimulate their education.

Growing process:

the seedling glass is filled with moss and watered;
plant the shoot;
place in a warm, illuminated place, spray periodically;
When 3-4 roots are formed, they are planted in a pot using standard technology.

Children should not be placed in a glass of water. This will cause the plant to rot.

Dendrobium orchid care

Proper care of an orchid at home is not that difficult.

For example, the dendrobium nobile orchid is noble, unpretentious, and even a novice gardener can grow it.

We will tell you the main points that you should pay attention to, so that even in your photos of the dendrobium orchid, its care is visible to the naked eye.

Growing rules

There are a huge number of different dendrobium orchids in the world. There are so many differences between them that it is impossible to imagine how one could describe a set of rules for growing each. But, for example, one of the similar requirements is for lighting. Make sure it is bright and not scorching.

About temperature mode

Each variety of orchid prefers its own temperature regime. If we take the average, then heat-loving people prefer to be at +25 during the day. When night falls, the optimal temperature for them is +21.

When autumn-winter arrives, the room does not need to be heated more than 20 degrees during the day. At night, make sure the air temperature is not lower than 18 degrees.

If your heart is closer to flowers that prefer coolness, in spring and autumn the air should not warm up more than +18. In the evening, lower to +12. With the onset of cold weather, warm the air to +12 during the day. Provide the plants with evening coolness - no more than 8 degrees above zero.

Lighting

You already know that Orchids love bright lighting. At the same time it is not scorching. In addition, make sure that there is 12 hours of daylight - this is extremely important.

Features of watering and humidity

There are no fundamental differences between watering Orchids. Spring and summer are not the time to skimp on water! Be sure to ensure that water does not stagnate in the ground. This is fraught with the appearance of rot on the roots. Pass the water through a filter or settle.

The humidity in the room where orchids grow is high. In the summer, you can achieve the desired level by moving your pet to the air. Don’t forget to moisten the leaves often, when possible. When frost arrives, prepare a container with damp gravel and place a pot with an orchid in it.

Features of transplantation

Keep in mind that this is stressful for the plant. Therefore, the less often this painful procedure is performed, the better. It is optimal to replant orchids every four years. Those varieties that bloom in the spring are replanted after waiting until they bloom.

With those that bloom in the fall, you need to wait until the young shoots hatch. Pay special attention to the pot. Refuse very large ones, but you can choose any material.

Experienced gardeners prefer clay flowerpots without glaze. Those who have never had to deal with orchids before prefer translucent plastic pots.

, place small but quite weighty pebbles at the bottom of the pot where the orchid will grow Be sure to place a layer of expanded clay on them (this will be drainage). Styrofoam will also work. Add bark. Try to carefully move your orchid into the new container. Fill the resulting voids with a new substrate.

Flower growers who have been growing flowers for many years recommend buying a special soil mixture.

Preferable use of the composition:

coconut chips;
charcoal;
sphagnum;
pine bark.

There are often cases when a simplified mixture is used, and it only contains tree bark.

Features of the fertilizer

When Orchids are in the stage of intensive growth, take care of purchasing fertilizers. It is necessary to feed once every six months. Opt for a complex fertilizer. Just don’t forget: the concentration of the mixture recommended by the manufacturer needs to be reduced by half.

After all, the bush is in danger of dying from damage to the roots.

Do you have an orchid that loves warmth? Buy fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus. Use monthly anytime.

Does your pet like cool weather? Buy a nitrogen-rich one.

Features of the flowering period

Any variety of Orchids blooms at a strictly defined time. Often the flowering period reaches three months. Experts recommend trying to ensure that the temperature difference between day and night is 5-7 degrees.

This will affect timely flowering. However, this is more difficult to achieve in winter than in summer. After all, with the onset of cold weather, the room is heated without ceasing.

For example, those gardeners who grow dendrobium nobile at this time use a very extravagant method for its successful flowering. Plants stop being watered. And only from the moment when the apparent growth reaches 30 mm in height, when new roots grow, the orchids are watered again.

When the growth compares with the existing bulbs, watering should be gradually reduced and eventually stopped completely. The air temperature will need to be reduced until it reaches 12 degrees.

Next, you should wait until the buds that have formed begin to bloom and resume watering. If this is not done, the children may develop instead of flowers.

Features of care when flowering ends

If you understand that the flowering of orchids is ending, you need to do the following: gradually reduce watering in order to eventually stop it completely, cut off the peduncle, and move the orchid to an eternally cool place. This will provide your pet with proper rest, and she will gain strength for the next flowering.

Under natural conditions, Orchids do not stop growing even for a minute. This happens in winter too. Although they may go dormant in mid-latitudes, bush growth is stunted. This is due to the poor light. No, this does not lead to the death of flowers, but it is still not recommended to allow this.

During the cold seasons, the daylight hours are extremely short. A phytolamp will help you: with its help you can illuminate the bushes.

It is not at all surprising that orchids growing in natural conditions do not know the period of falling asleep. They are busy all the time, growing flower stalks and roots.

It may happen that in the fall you will notice how your pet suddenly becomes a sleeping beauty. Don’t rush to disturb her, move her to a cooler corner and finish moisturizing.

Dendrobium orchid species

Dendrobium - the most beautiful flower

Among the variety of species and varieties of orchids, it is impossible to single out any special variety that would gain universal popularity. They are all beautiful in their own way.

Dendrobium nobile

Photo: Dendrobium nobile

Dendrobium nobile

Vietnam and the Himalayas are considered its homeland. Shiny thick pseudobulbs are characterized by rapid growth and reach 0.5 m in length already in the first year of life. In the next season, flower stalks are formed, of which there are from 1 to 3 on one plant. The flowers are large, rich in color, up to 10 cm in diameter.

The natural-looking flowers are pure white, the tips of the petals are tinged with purple, the lip is cream, and the throat is dark purple in color. Hybrids have different colors and bloom several times a year.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis

The orchid got its name due to the identical shape of flowers with phalaenopsis. Naturally distributed in Australia.

Pseudobulbs, together with leathery glossy leaves, reach 0.7 m in length. The species simultaneously forms up to 10 flowers, 8 cm in diameter, which are located on a high peduncle. More often the petals are painted burgundy.

Flowering is long-lasting, up to 2 months. It falls at the end of November - beginning of December. Several peduncles may appear on the same pseudobulb in one season. The best type for novice gardeners.

Dendrobium moniliforme

Moniliforme is a miniature dendrobium. The stem of the bush reaches no more than 15 cm in height, the rosette is very beautiful. Inexperienced gardeners should have this species at home, as it is easy to care for, especially since it blooms with beautiful “butterflies”.

Dendrobium parishii

The hanging shoots of the epiphthous plant reach 0.3 m in length. There are also more powerful specimens.

The pointed oblong-lanceolate leaves grow up to 12 cm in length. Single flowers, painted in an amethyst-purple tone, bloom on the dendrobium. The rounded lip is densely strewn with purple-brown spots, the anther is purple, the column is snow-white. Characterized by summer flowering.

King's Dendrobium (Dendrobium kingianum)

Dendrobium kingianum

King's Dendrobium (Dendrobium kingianum)

Originally from Australia. The lower part of the cylindrical stems has a noticeable thickening, and at the top of the stem there are wide leaves.

Flowering is abundant, buds are formed in large quantities, in February. At this time, the King's dendrobium produces a long peduncle, on which 5 pink flowers bloom, exuding a pleasant aroma.

Dendrobium densiflorum

Found naturally in the Himalayas. Unusual coloring. All flowers have a rich orange color, which even slightly hurts the eye. Flowering is very abundant. Up to 50 flowers can bloom simultaneously on racemose inflorescences 0.3 m long.

You can learn more about representatives of the orchid family from the video below.

What can you grow from a seed at home? | TOP 28 Common and unusual plants | (Photo & Video) + Reviews

King's Dendrobium Dendrobium kingianum

The genus Dendrobium has a huge number of species. Dendrobium King (or, as it is often called popularly, rock orchid) is one of them. This is an epiphytic (less commonly epilithic) plant. In most cases, the orchid is quite miniature, but there are cases when it reached a height of even 200(!) m.

The stems of the plant are cylindrical, thin towards the top and do not exceed 25-30 cm in height. Covered with white scales. The leaves are quite large, thin, pointed, reaching about 10 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. At the top of the shoot there can be from 3 to 6.

On the upper peduncle there are usually up to 5-7 flowers of white, pink-white and even dark purple. The inflorescences of Dendrobium kingianum are very unusual, erect, with 2 to 9 small flowers. These flowers reach about 1 cm in diameter (you must admit, they are tiny!).

Australia, namely New South Wales and Queensland, is the birthplace of the beautiful King. It grows on plateaus, coastal stones and cliffs, at an altitude of up to 1200m above sea level. A large colony of Dendrobium King is quite difficult to miss.

In the world of flora, King's dendrobium has been officially known since 1844.

Temperature, light, humidity

Caring for King's dendrobium orchid at home follows clear rules. These rules depend entirely on the rhythm and period of plant growth.

For example, in spring new shoots appear on a plant. At this time, the flower must be fertilized and moistened. And vice versa - during the period of slow growth, it is recommended to reduce watering to almost zero.

The rock orchid is in most cases unpretentious to temperature. But an important detail of the temperature regime is that during the dormant period the flower must be kept in cold conditions - about 10 degrees.

King orchid loves good light; it is a fairly light-loving plant. During the cold season, you can safely place a pot with an orchid on a south window. Lack of light has a bad effect on the development and flowering of dendrobium. There are even cases where dendrobiums completely stopped flowering for a long time in the absence of normal lighting for them.

Dendrobium of this type loves moist air very much, so it requires regular spraying. Do not allow the humidity level in the air to drop below 35%. Avoid drafts in rooms where King's dendrobium is kept.

Some experts even recommend keeping the plant outdoors from May to September, which, of course, is quite risky.

Watering

Pay great attention to watering Dendrobium King during its active growth period.

After replanting and until the roots resume their growth, minimize watering the plant and limit it to spraying only.

The risk of drying out Dendrobium kingianum is almost zero.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is an important point in caring for flowers, especially if they are orchids. King's Dendrobium needs regular fertilization. To do this, use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. It is enough to carry out the process once a month during watering.

Substrate and transplant

The substrate for planting Dendrobium kingianum does not require a special approach - the usual composition will do. You can add pebbles, pieces of lava, nut shells, and a little charcoal. Moss is not a necessary component - King's dendrobium is very difficult to dry out.

The size of the bark pieces is selected depending on the size of the plant’s root system.

Replanting the dendrobium is recommended during active growth, that is, when the roots begin to slightly “fall out” of the pot.

Bloom

Young growths ripen sometime in early autumn. This is followed by a period of rest, during which it is recommended to maintain the room temperature at about 15-17 degrees.

At the end of the dormant period, flowering begins.

The flowering period of dendrobiums of this species is quite long - about 2 months. At this time, the flower should be placed in warmer conditions. In most cases, the orchid blooms in the cold season. Each bulb blooms only once. After flowering, the peduncle can be removed.

It is worth noting that the flowering nature of the rock orchid is seasonal. The plant blooms once a year, and at high temperatures it fades too quickly.

The smell of flowers is amazing. You can enjoy it endlessly, but endless flowering requires very difficult care. We wish amateur flower growers good luck in this; with the help of our tips, you will succeed!

Transplanting dendrobium at home

Dendrobium is replanted every three years, provided that:

the substrate has decomposed and compacted;
the plant has filled the entire container with roots;
the substrate has become acidic or salty due to frequent watering;
Some of the roots rotted after waterlogging.
It is also recommended to replant the newly acquired orchid, replacing the transport substrate with one more suitable for dendrobiums.

What pot is needed to transplant dendrobium?

Pots are usually opaque. When choosing a new container, you should take into account that the orchid can only develop in a tight container 3-4 cm larger than the previous one. When replanting Dendrobium, you should follow some simple rules:

the plant is placed for 10-15 minutes in a solution of succinic acid (one tablet per liter of warm water);
when saturated with moisture, the roots will acquire a greenish-milky color;
take out, leave to dry for half an hour on a towel;
placed on a substrate in a pot;
old pseudobulbs should be located closer to the edge;
the root collar is left on the surface;
the roots are straightened, the gaps are filled with bark.

Water after 3-14 days (depending on the size of the roots), when the wounds on mechanically damaged roots have healed.

Important: replant carefully, as the roots of Dendrobium are very fragile. You can also propagate by cutting off the faded stems of the plant at ground level and laying them horizontally on wet sand.

Keep the sand damp for several months. Closer to autumn, when children with roots form on the stems, transplant them into separate pots

You can also propagate by cutting off the faded stems of the plant at ground level and laying it horizontally on wet sand. Keep the sand damp for several months. Closer to autumn, when children with roots form on the stems, transplant them into separate pots.

Propagation of the Dendrobium Nobile orchid

Dendrobium Nobile can be propagated at home; 4 methods are used for this - by children, by cuttings, by dividing the bush, by a young pseudobulb. If the propagation of Dendrobium was carried out according to the rules, a healthy bush with a beautiful vegetative mass will appear.

Reproduction of Dendrobium Nobile with the help of children

This is the simplest method for obtaining a healthy bush. An orchid is propagated in stages:

allow the emerging baby to grow, and then cut it off at the base with a sharp knife;
damaged parts are disinfected with charcoal;
planted in a moist substrate, forming a temperature of 28 degrees under plastic film;
As soon as the roots are formed, transplant them into their own pot.

1 month is enough to get a new home orchid.

Propagation of Dendrobium Nobile by cuttings

It is easy to propagate a home orchid using cuttings in the following stages:

cut the stalk at the base, powder it with activated carbon;
Place sphagnum moss in a container with a lid for planting, moisten it, and install the cutting;
cover with a lid, ventilate periodically, and water with water from a spray bottle.

Such care ends when the home bush gets stronger. This is evidenced by an increase in the cuttings by 5 cm. Then they are transplanted into an individual container.

Reproduction by dividing an adult bush

Dendrobium propagation is used for transplantation:

lightly water the soil, take out the root;
cut the rhizome into equal parts, sprinkled with charcoal to disinfect and prevent diseases;
Plant each part in its own substrate and lightly water it.

If you propagate a home orchid in this way, with proper care, flowering will occur faster.

Reproduction using a young pseudobulb

For propagation, find a flowering pseudobulb that has no visible damage. The following are the steps:

cut off the pseudobulb, sprinkling the damaged areas with crushed activated carbon;
install the pseudobulb in moistened sphagnum moss, cover it with plastic film or a lid to continue care in greenhouse conditions;
transplanted into individual pots when young orchids have grown by 5 cm.

The formation of flowers is observed after 2-3 years.

How to save a dendrobium if it turns yellow and withers

Root rot

Root rot on dendrobium photo

excessive moisture of the substrate;
overfeeding with fertilizers;
caked substrate;
insufficient watering;
overheating of the plant;

It is easy to determine the degree of damage to the root system. You just need to move the orchid slightly. There are no problems with roots if the plant sits tightly.

The problem with the roots is obvious if: they are brown, hollow, slimy. In this case, you need to remove the flower from the container and remove rotten and damaged roots. Don't be upset if you have to cut off most of the roots: the presence of at least one whole root gives a good chance to revive the Dendrobium. After trimming the roots, spray them with a solution of phytosporin, treat the above-ground part as a preventive measure. Let the moisture dry and replant the dendrobium in clean soil.

The trunk of the dendrobium is rotting

Stem rot on dendrobium photo

Stem rot usually occurs from the bottom up from the root to the stem to the leaves. This occurs when root rot is not corrected in a timely manner.

A secondary fungal or bacterial infection can pick up the baton and aggravate the situation. This is possible if the plant is not helped in time: at the first signs of disease, the orchid needs to be treated with phytosporin and replanted in clean soil.

Dendrobium withers

The consequence of improper care can be wilting of the leaves. They become lethargic, turn yellow and die. Causes:

damage by spider mites;
tissue atrophy due to lack of moisture;
rotting of leaves from waterlogging;
root damage.

If the leaves have softened and look like a “rag,” immediately cut them off and treat the cuts with a fungicide, and also stop watering until the substrate dries to 2/3 of the height of the container.

Dendrobium becomes covered with cracks:

Dendrobium cracks photo

there was mechanical damage to the plant, for example, a leaf was dropped, bent, etc.;
excess nitrogen. To save the flower, it is necessary to free the roots from the previous substrate and replant them. The first few months do not fertilize, then feed with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. The orchid will take about a year to recover.
sudden hypothermia after watering. You should not place Dendrobium in winter after a shower on the windowsill close to the glass.
watering is too infrequent, so the leaves lose their elasticity. After watering, the plant intensively begins to consume liquid; dehydrated tissues do not have time to distribute moisture, become deformed and burst.

Dendrobium leaves turn yellow if:

the natural aging process occurs;
are affected by diseases and pests (more on this below);
there was a chemical burn from fertilizers or growth stimulants;
the plant overheats;
stressful situations: relocation, lack of lighting, humidity, unfavorable air temperature, improper watering.

Sometimes the dendrobium orchid presents unpleasant surprises: why the leaves turn yellow and what to do must be decided based on the symptoms and the rate at which the problem worsens. Often the cause of yellowing leaves is pests and diseases, about which you can read more in the next section of the article.

Dendrobium sheds buds and flowers

This condition can be caused by the following factors:

sudden change in habitat;
lack of lighting;
overheating in the sun or from heating;
incorrect watering;
hypothermia.

Interesting fact: it is contraindicated to place Dendrobiums near fruits, especially apples, bananas, and apricots. They emit ethylene, which contributes to the accelerated aging of flowers and buds.

Photo: Dendrobium kingianum var. silcockii

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Dendrobium kingianum is native to Australia, where the orchid grows lithophytically on rocks at an altitude of 50 to 1200 meters above sea level. Pseudobulbs are cylindrical in shape, thicken towards the base, can reach up to 30 cm in length. The leaves are lanceolate or ovoid, shiny, concentrated in the upper part of the pseudobulbs, reaching up to 10 cm in length and about 2 cm in width. Peduncles appear in the upper part of the pseudobulbs , reach up to 14 cm in length. There are up to 15 flowers per peduncle. Flowers range in color from white to pink, measuring about 2.5 cm in diameter. Sepals are oblong, about 1.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, petals are somewhat shorter. The lip is triple, with a pointed tip, usually darker than the main color of the flower, reaching up to 1.2 cm in length and 0.9 cm in width.

Synonyms for this type of orchid are: Callista kingiana, Dendrocoryne kingianum, Thelychiton kingianus and Tropilis kingiana.

TEMPERATURE:

This type of orchid belongs to a moderately cold temperature regime, and throughout the year it is recommended to keep the plants under the following conditions:

Summer:

no more than + 25 °C;
Winter:
10-16 °C.

To successfully grow Dendrobium kingianum at home, it is necessary that the night temperature is always at least 5 °C lower than the daytime temperature. For example, if during the day + 25 °C, then at night no more than + 20 °C.

AIR HUMIDITY:

This type of orchid is not demanding of extremely high air humidity; for normal growth and development the plant will need 45-70%. For plants planted on blocks, higher air humidity is desirable than for potted plants. Too dry air negatively affects the development of the plant - its growth is inhibited, and the roots of the orchid begin to dry out. When caring for this type of orchid, the following rule applies: “The higher the thermometer rises, the higher the air humidity should be, and the higher the air humidity, the more often and longer it is necessary to ventilate the room where the orchids are kept, otherwise there is a high probability of rotting and the appearance of leaves of various types of fungal diseases (more details...).” To increase air humidity, you can use a humidifier, saucers of water, or wet expanded clay. To do this, take a large tray, inside which expanded clay is poured, a lattice is placed on top to prevent waterlogging of the roots, and pots with orchids are placed.

SUBSTRATE:

Dendrobium kingianum is grown both in a substrate, in pots and hanging lattice baskets, and without it, placed on blocks. The best substrate is a mixture of large bark of coniferous trees (Italian Pinia pine) with peat and sphagnum moss. When growing orchids on blocks, to prevent the root system of the plant from drying out quickly, it is recommended to make a small layer of moss between it and the block. You can also put live or dry sphagnum on top of the roots.

TRANSFER:

Frequent replantings are not required for this type of orchid, so it is advisable to replant Dendrobium kingianum only in cases of severe salinity of the substrate or when the plant has grown very much and the old pot becomes too small for it. The best time for replanting is considered to be the period when new shoots reach a size of 5 cm and begin to grow their own roots.

LIGHT:

This type of orchid is grown both in bright diffused light and in partial shade. Windows with an eastern orientation are considered the ideal location; however, if there are none in the apartment, then western or very light northern windows can be used. Dendrobium kingianum equally does not like a place that is too dark (the plant simply will not bloom here) or a place that is too light (the orchid leaves can get burned). If western windows were chosen as the location of the plant, then from May to early September the orchid must be protected from exposure to too bright evening sun - placed behind a curtain (for example, on a table near the window) or in the shade of other plants.

WATERING:

During the period of new growth, Dendrobium kingianum needs frequent and deep watering. Plants growing on blocks need to be watered daily in the morning so that by evening the orchid roots can dry out relatively well. When watering orchids in pots, you must remember that excess water should flow freely from the pot when watering, since stagnation of water both inside the pot and in its tray can very quickly lead to rotting of the roots and lower part of the plant. New shoots are especially sensitive in this regard. It is best to water this type of orchid using a “hot” shower (water temperature 30-35 °C, maximum 52 °C). This imitates the natural conditions in the orchid’s homeland and has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the plant. Many years of practice have shown that with regular use of a hot shower, orchids not only grow green mass well, but also bloom much more often. The substrate should dry well between waterings.

FEEDING:

Throughout the year, this type of orchid is fertilized every third watering in the usual concentration of fertilizer indicated on the package. It is necessary to use a specialized fertilizer marked on the package “For orchids”, since ordinary fertilizers for indoor plants contain a slightly different composition of useful substances and their dosage is much higher than that required by Dendrobium kingianum.

REST PERIOD:

To stimulate flowering, Dendrobium kingianum requires a clearly defined period of rest. It begins immediately after the new pseudobulbs ripen (usually in late October - early November), i.e. when new young shoots reach the size of the old ones and begin to turn into full-fledged pseudobulbs (in length and width), and lies in the fact that the orchid is kept somewhat drier and colder than usual, and is not fertilized. The general temperature during this period can vary from 10 to 16 °C. Watering should be abandoned completely or replaced with light spraying of the substrate and this procedure should be performed no more than once a month. With the appearance of flower stalks, the dormant period ends: watering the orchid is resumed in the usual volume, and the overall temperature of the orchid increases. Failure to comply with the rest period leads to the refusal of the orchid to bloom.

BLOOM:

Dendrobium kingianum can bloom at any time of the year, most preferring spring.

AFTER FLOWERING:

After flowering, the peduncles of Dendrobium kingianum are removed; if necessary, the orchid is replanted and kept dry for some time. This is necessary to acclimatize the plant and to prevent rotting of wounds on the roots resulting from transplantation.

REPRODUCTION:

At home, this type of orchid reproduces vegetatively, i.e. by dividing a large adult bush into parts, or by forming children that can appear almost anywhere on the pseudobulb (at the top, in the middle, etc.). For vegetative propagation, it is recommended to leave at least three pseudobulbs for each new plant. Children are removed from the mother plant only when they grow well enough and begin to grow their own roots. As a rule, children appear when the plant is kept too warm and when the dormant period is not observed. In greenhouse conditions, seed and meristem propagation, as well as cuttings, are also used.

OUTDOOR RESIDENCE:

During the period from mid-May to mid-September, it is highly recommended to keep this type of orchid outdoors: on the balcony or in the garden. A place should be chosen that is protected from rain, strong winds and direct sunlight. Long-term practice shows that such plants grow more developed and bloom much more abundantly.

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World of Orchids

Main indications for transplanting an old orchid

Below we will tell you in more detail how to replant an old orchid.

Root system growth

It is the main reason for a planned plant transplant. If the orchid has been living with you for about two or three years in the same pot after purchase, then you may have noticed that the plant itself has risen above the pot and is asking to crawl out.

If the orchid's roots have come out of the pot, then the plant should be replanted.

Also a clear sign is:

The appearance of roots from drainage holes;
And the fact that the beard of the young roots is already growing outside the pot.

The plant’s entire appearance communicates that it has clearly outgrown its home and requires replanting.

Root damage

The most common problem with orchids for beginners is:

Incorrect watering regime;
Bay;
And, as a result, rotting of the root system.

Which in advanced cases can lead to complete death of the roots.

Such negligent treatment requires urgent correction of errors, intervention during which rotten roots and all flower stalks are removed, and the plant is reanimated - they are helped to grow roots again.

Unsatisfactory soil condition

Typically, for orchids, a substrate based on the bark of Scots pine or pine is used. Over time, the bark:

Decomposes;
Sags;
Stops letting air through to the roots;
And it loses its properties (to retain moisture and the plant itself in the pot).

From the outside, such bark looks like fine dust. It is advantageous to keep orchids in such a substrate that prefer to live on the ground, for example, Cymbidiums. For other orchids, say, Phalaenopsis, this substrate is not suitable - it requires replacement with a fresh one.

Plant rejuvenation

As they grow, sympodial orchids grow new pseudobulbs and dry out old pseudobulbs.

An old orchid is sometimes rejuvenated.

And a bush that looked nice two years ago can turn into an orchid with a receding hairline. It looks natural, but not very neat. In this case, the orchid is rejuvenated by forming one or more fresh ones from the old bush.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis or dendrobium two-humped, Australian orchid Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Dendrobium phalaenopsis or dendrobium two-humped, Australian orchid Dendrobium phalaenopsis photo

It got its name for its resemblance to the flowers of the phalaenopsis orchid. Leaves up to seventy centimeters, peduncle consists of ten or more large flowers with a diameter of up to nine centimeters, color: from purple to lilac. Blooms for up to two months, November-December. Old pseudobulbs bear flowers several times a year.

Dendrobium densiflorum

Dendrobium densiflorum photo

This orchid is from the Eastern Himalayas. Dense cascading inflorescences up to thirty centimeters long sometimes bear up to fifty fragrant flowers with bright yellow petals and sepals, a yellow-orange, shaggy fringed lip along the edge. A variety of this species, Dendrobium racemosa, is white or cream in color. Blooms in spring.

Dendrobium nobile or noble Dendrobium nobile

Dendrobium noble Dendrobium nobile photo

One of the most beautiful species, originating from the Himalayas and Vietnam. Thick glossy pseudobulbs up to 50 cm produce flower stalks with one to three large, up to ten centimeters, bright, fragrant flowers. The petals are white with lilac tips, the lip is cream. Hybrid varieties can bloom several times a year.

Dendrobium moniliforme

Dendrobium moniliforme photo

A native of Japan, this is a low-growing species of dendrobium with thin, long shoots, narrow leaves and petals. Not demanding of care like other orchids.

Dendrobium beautiful Dendrobium bellatulum

Beautiful Dendrobium Dendrobium bellatulum photo

A small orchid from Southeast Asia that grows naturally on coniferous trees. The flowers are white, yellow, 2-3 cm in diameter, with a wonderful aroma.

Dendrobium parishii

An orchid with thick hanging stems up to thirty centimeters. Acute leaves 7-12 cm, single flowers amethyst-purple, rounded lip with violet-brown spots, densely pubescent. Blooms June-July.