Greetings, human caretaker. I am a Dendrobium orchid, one of the most diverse and resilient members of my vast plant family. While I may seem exotic, understanding my core needs from my perspective will make our partnership thrive. Think of this as our care agreement.
My relationship with water is my most critical aspect. I am an epiphyte, meaning I naturally grow on trees in the wild, with my roots exposed to air and rain. I despise having my roots constantly wet. The key is to mimic a tropical downpour followed by a period of dryness. Please, water me thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes of my pot. Then, allow my potting medium to become almost completely dry before you water me again. You can test this by sticking your finger about an inch into the bark mix. If it feels dry, it's time for a drink. Overwatering will suffocate my roots and cause them to rot, which is often a death sentence for me.
I crave bright, but indirect, light. In my native habitat, I am sheltered by the canopy of taller trees, basking in dappled sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal, as I can enjoy the gentle morning sun. A south or west window can work, but you must shield me with a sheer curtain to prevent my leaves from getting scorched. A healthy sign of perfect light is when my leaves are a light, bright green. If they are dark green, I need more light. If they are yellowish or have brown spots, I am getting too much direct sun.
You must pay special attention to what you plant me in. I cannot live in regular potting soil; it will compact around my roots, hold too much water, and kill me. I require a very loose, fast-draining, and chunky potting medium. A specialized orchid mix based on large chunks of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is perfect. This mixture allows for excellent air circulation around my roots, mimicking my natural life on a tree branch. Furthermore, I prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so only repot me every two to three years when my potting medium has broken down, or I have clearly outgrown my container.
I thrive in a daytime temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). However, to initiate my beautiful blooming cycle, I need a distinct drop in temperature at night, ideally by 10-15 degrees. This cooler period in the fall is my signal that it's time to produce flower spikes. Please try to provide this seasonal change. As for humidity, I appreciate levels between 50-60%. If your home is dry, you can place my pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles (ensuring the pot is not sitting in the water) or use a humidifier.
In the wild, I gather nutrients from the air, rain, and whatever decomposes on the tree bark I cling to. Therefore, I do not need heavy feeding. During my active growth period (typically spring and summer), feed me with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every other week. When I am not actively growing or during my winter rest period, you can reduce feeding to once a month or stop altogether. Remember the golden rule: when in doubt, it is always safer to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize, which can burn my delicate roots.
