Orchid of the Month
Dendrobium - Phalaenopsis
den-DROH-bee-um fal-en-OP-sis
Starter orchid plants to help build an orchid lover's confidence
by Ray Yan, OSMT member
Dendrobium-phalaenopsis are one of the easiest to grow orchids. They grow in the lower regions of both sides of the equator in those regions with the highest amount of precipitation. The average yearly temperature is 73 to 91 degree F. Since they are warm growing plants, they are great for hot summer weather in Tennessee or any other zone's with the same hot summer weather in North America. Dendrobium means "Tree dweller" an indication that the plant is an epiphyte. Dendrobium-phalaenopsis originate from New Guinea, north Queensland and east Australia.
Most people seek the popular Dendrobium Phalaenopsis's rich, vivid colors and hardy high tolerance for travel. These qualities endear it to both the international plant trade and home growers. This orchid is also known for its ability to bloom from both old and new pseudobulbs. It grows all year round and doesn't require a chilling or drying period to initiate flowering. The spikes appear with enthusiasm on thrifty plants, as soon as the first buds open into flowers, the plant can be groomed and put on display for the duration of the season, for as much as four months of nonstop blooms. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis have a tolerance of a wide range of conditions, and are great in homes near sunny windows.
In the wild, dendrobium-phalaenopsis usually grow on the trunks, branches, and outer twigs of trees. The home grower will therefore find that it prefers to grow on slabs or mounts and not be confined to a plastic pot. The author feels that the best way to grow dendrobium-phalaenopsis is with a mount or basket.
Blooming season: Spring, Summer, and fall, or almost any time of the year.
Light: If indoors, near a sunny window, or under multiple fluorescent lights.
Temperature: Never below 60 degree F all year around.
Humidity: 50% or more with presence of free air circulation.
Watering: Water when 2/3rds of the top media has dried .
Fertilizing: Use N P K ratio of 20-20-20 in growing season, N P K ratio of 10-30-10 when starting to spike.
Re-potting: Every 2 years, best done when shoots begin to appear. After re-potting, the plant should be kept warm and be provided with additional humidity.
Photos by Ray Yan
