Hello, human cohabitant. I am a Dendrobium orchid, a vast and diverse genus with origins in the varied climates of Asia and Australia. To truly help me thrive inside your dwelling, you must understand my perspective. My needs are not arbitrary; they are the echoes of my ancestral home. Here is what I wish you knew.
My relationship with water is complex. I am an epiphyte; in the wild, my roots cling to trees, drinking from humid air and brief tropical rains before drying quickly. You must replicate this cycle. Drench my potting medium thoroughly until water runs from my drainage holes, then let me become almost completely dry before watering again. My canes (pseudobulbs) store water; if they look plump and wrinkled, I am content. If they become severely shriveled, you have waited too long. I also crave atmospheric moisture. Please provide 50-70% humidity through a pebble tray or humidifier. Misting is a kind gesture, but it is no substitute for true ambient humidity.
I am a solar-powered being. To fuel my growth and spectacular blooms, I need abundant, bright light. A south or east-facing window is ideal. The quality of light I receive is directly tied to my willingness to flower. However, I am not a cactus. My leaves are delicate. If they turn a yellowish or reddish hue, they may be getting too much direct sun, which can scorch me. A deep, dark green indicates I am languishing in the shadows, likely too weak to produce blooms. Aim for a bright, filtered light that casts a soft, defined shadow.
My comfort is tied to temperature shifts. Most of my kind appreciate a distinct difference between day and night temperatures—a drop of 10-15°F (5-8°C) is ideal. This mimics my natural environment and is a crucial trigger for flower spike initiation. Keep me in a range of 65-85°F (18-29°C) during the day and around 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. Furthermore, I despise stale, stagnant air. Gentle air circulation from a nearby fan (not pointed directly at me) strengthens my leaves and roots and prevents rot by keeping moisture from settling in my crown for too long.
Do not plant me in soil! It will suffocate my roots and cause them to rot. I require a loose, chunky, and incredibly fast-draining medium. A mix of fir bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is perfect. It gives my roots the air and support they need. Repot me every two to three years when this medium breaks down. As for food, I am a light but consistent feeder. During my active growth period (typically spring and summer), feed me weekly with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 or 1/2 strength. When my growth slows in the cooler months, reduce feeding to once a month.
Please understand my rhythm. After I bloom, I will enter a growth phase, producing new canes (pseudobulbs). This is when I need the most water and fertilizer. Once these new canes mature and you feel a hard little bump at the top (the sheath), my growth slows. This is the start of my rest period. During this time, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Cooler nights and this drier rest are the signals I need to initiate buds within that sheath. When you see a flower spike emerging, you can gradually resume normal care.
