Plant Summary:
The genus Dendrobium contains around 1000 species. Most of them are epiphytes (tree dwellers) and are found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Flower types vary from being enormously-upright to trailing, clustered or singles and many are sold unnamed. They are easy to grow. Most Dendrobium flower from late winter through early summer on stems which average 60 cm (2feet) long.
Keep Orchid Dendrobium Oshin plants in bright but indirect light. Additional shade may be required in summer. Aim to keep Dendrobium moist throughout the growing season. Mist the plants in the early morning and late evening.
Dendrobium in the picture above and below is called Dendrobium Oshin.
The plants requires a high degree of humidity during the growing period. In Spring and Summer feed Dendrobium monthly with a high Nitrogen food. This will help in robust growth of the plant. Repot every few years in spring.
Some dendrobiums produce plantlets from their stem points; these grow aerial roots. Once the roots have reached 2.5 (1”) long, gently twist the plantlets free and pot up. Water well, cover with a plastic bag and keep in warm semi-shade for the plants to become established.
Plant Healing:
For Aphid attacks : Control by insecticide
Scale and Mealy bugs : Should be eradicated with a methylated spirit-impregnated with a methylated spirit – impregnated cotton bud
Red spider mite : Misting of the leaf undersides but badly-infected plants should be burnt.
Related Images:
I stumbled upon your blog yesterday and was amazed by the amount of information you shared regarding orchids and many other topics. As a Orchid lover, I really feel sad that I lost my tiny dendrobium plant of unknown hybrid variety last year. I know that it happened due to over-watering. And around Aug-Sep time-frame. Not sure of the causes.. Did it need rest and should not have been watered or was it in a large basket that led to overwatering. Do you have any recommendation on pot size, resting period, watering frequency and other matters related to dendrobiums? I… Read more »
Hi Mukund,
I know how heart breaking it is to lose an orchid plant.
Loss of a plant can be due to water clogging, which leads to root or bulb rot. It can also be due to zero humidity. To avoid this, we need to mist the leaves and roots early in the morning and late in the evening every day. Also mist with a good fertilizer every fortnight.
Indo American Hybrid nursery in Bangalore sell orchid plastic pots.
Winter is resting time for orchids.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
All the best,
Shantha
Thanks a lot for your reply. I think my question was a little vague a too broad. I actually know the reason for its death in my mind. The plant I had purchased was a tiny one at 50rs. in Lalbaugh show (per my memory Aug. 2010). It had very small root clump at the time. Some dead roots, too probably. I should have potted it then and probably just left it to multiply its root system underneath a plastic cover. Instead, I hung a pot in the window and kept watering every two three days. And whenever I thought… Read more »
Hi Mukund,
Sorry for this late reply. Here are the answers for your questions:
1. For dendrobiums pot size do not matter. The pot you bought the plant with can be retained for some years.
2. Water once a day. Mist in the evenings or vice versa.
3. Dendrobiums lose leaves and start to bloom. Some of the dendrobiums are known as “Leafless Dendrobiums”.
Orchids are hardy plants and easy to grow!
Regards,
Shantha
Thanks for your reply. One last question is:
Should the watering be less frequent in winter or rest period?
Your reply is very helpful. I am keen on getting native ones than hybrids now after seeing your collection. I will probably follow threads and acquire some as I can.
Thanks and regards,
Mukund
Hi Mukund,
Mist twice a week during winter.
Hope this helps.
Shantha
Great, Thanks for the tips. I am going to start my orchid collection soon but probably only around March April time-frame. So that’s almost 4-5 months away still.
Mukund
All the best, Mukund.