|---Dendrobium Species/Hybrids---| ---Dendrochilum Species---|

Dendrobium Species

The name Dendrobium is derived from the Greek words dendron meaning tree and bios signifying life, referring to the epiphytic habit of the plant.

Dendrobium is a large diverse genus of about 1500 species occurring mainly from Asia, Malaysia, New Guinea to New Zealand and Australia. More than 86 species are found in the Philippines of which about 65 species are believed to be endemic.
The plants are epiphytic with a sympodial growth habit, some bulbous, some with jointed cane-like stems, others are in a variety of forms and sizes. Many are evergreen retaining their leaves fro three or more years after flowering, others are deciduous, dropping their leaves after the pseudo bulbs mature or before blooming. Several species bear flowers along the terminal nodes in loose racemes or dense clusters of more than 10 to 30 flowers. However, most species bear 2 to 3 flowers from the nodes opposite the leaves.

General Cultural Requirements of Dendrobium

Light and Shade

Most Dendrobiums types need about 65% to 85% light exposures with 60% humidity and light air movement. Some species, however can withstand full sun. But a shading of 15% to 35% is necessary to prevent sun scorching or dehydration. To ensure optimum flowering, the plant should be given stronger light exposure while in active growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Dendrobiums should be grown in the temperature range of 70 to 90F during the day and 55 to 65F at night. While these plants are generally strong and therefore tolerant when exposed to higher and lower temperatures, repeated exposures to these conditions will do severe damage. Most Dendrobiums at least in active growth, do best at a minimum of 50% to 70% relative humidity.

Growing Medium

Dendrobium species are often found in the upper most branches or twigs which are 5 to 10 cm. in diameter with most of its roots exposed to air. Mounting on a piece of slab or branch would be the proper thing to do. If potting is desired. they do best in a pot relatively small to the size of the plant. They prefer a very porous potting mix to encourage vigorous rooting as the growth develops. Drainage is essential, so that the medium does not deteriorate quickly, since Dendrobiums 'resent' disturbance caused by repotting.

Water

When Dendrobiums are in active growth, they need to be watered copiously. Generally, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced once the growth has matured and become plump. those species that are deciduous should receive little water while dormant to prevent dessication. Resume normal watering and care once inflorescences have developed or once the new growths are starting to produce new roots.

Fertilizer

Most large growing Dendrobiums are fairly heavy feeders when in active growth and grown under strong light. Under these conditions it is appropriate to apply a dilute solution of balance liquid fertilizer such as 20-20-20 weekly. When inactive or dormant, Dendrobiums require little or no fertilizer. It is necessary to cut off an inflorescence that is in flower for more than 6 weeks so the plant can conserve energy. Bigger and better flowers are produced by healthy and strong plants.

Blooming Size Dendrobiums are valued at $25 unless noted otherwise.

kingianum Native to Australia. Compact grower. Prefers to grow in shallow containers in an open medium with plenty of light, fresh air and humidity. Does not like wet feet. Minimum winter temperature 35deg F. 3"pot @$15

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Dendrochilum Species

Dendrochilum is derived from the Greek word dendron, meaning tree and cheilos, meaning lip, referring to its epiphytic habit and the lip of the flower respectively.

These epiphytic and lithophytic orchids grow in clumps and bear a single leaf on top of each pseudobulb. The inflorescence is upright and pendulous. The flowers are small and alternately and neatly arranged along the thin threadlike stem, resembling a chain.

They grow best in hanging pots, wire or wooden baskets. They appreciate intermediate to warm temperature, 50 to 60 per cent shade and high humidity. When the plants have finished flowering, give them a brief rest period by withholding water for one or two weeks..

cobbianum Highly fragrant pale-green, yellow or yellow-orange flowers 1-1.5 cm. across borne on a long drooping inflorescence. Plant endemic to Lanao, Philippines
I-SH-M-4" Pot - BS @ $25

filiforme fragrant yellow flowers on a slender and wiry inflorescence. Blooms in April to July. Endemic to the Philippines
I-SH-M-4" Pot - BS @ $25

glumaceum Fragrant white cream flowers. oval shaped pseudobulbs. one leaf on each pseudobulb, measuring about 30 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide.. Prefers intermediate to warm temperature and 50 per cent shade.
I/W-SH-M-4 " Pot - BS @ $25

wenzelii ( Syn. Dendrochilum arachnites red ) - small pseudobulbs, grows in clump and terete like leave per pseudobulb. Flowers are red
I-SH-M-3" pot - BS @ $25

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