Most Dendrobiums commonly found in the marketplace are call Den-Phals because their flowers resemble miniature Phalaenopsis flowers. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors and are featured in our banner at the top of this page.
"Antilope" type Dendrobiums have long twisted petals that point upwards and are grown the same way as Den-Phals. These two types of Dendrobiums are often hybridized together to make larger flowers with twisted petals.
The group 'Dendrobium' is a very large and varied group of orchids, so be sure you know what type you have. The culture advice here is for the Den-Phal or Antilope type of Dendrobium.
Light
These orchids are considered high light orchids requiring some direct sunlight in the mornings or evenings when grown indoors year-round. When grown outside, bright, indirect light may be sufficient. The more light you can give your orchid without damaging it (burning it or bleaching out the leaves) The better it will grow and bloom for you.
Water
Dendrobiums like to dry out a bit between watering. How often you water is dependent on how quickly the potting mix dries out. Terracotta or un-glazed clay pots will dry out much faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. When you water, water well by completely drenching the roots and allow the pot to drain. Never allow your plant to set in water for more than an hour.
If in doubt, don't water! Dendrobiums store water in their stems for times of drought.
Fertilizers and Supplements
Dendrobiums do not require a lot of fertilizer. We recommend a well-balanced fertilizer once a month at half or quarter strength the manufacturers recommended concentration. Even if the fertilizer container is made for orchids, a weak solution is best.
Potting
Dendrobium orchids like a very 'open' mix where their roots have good air movement and will dry out quickly. We use a medium size bark mix which includes hard wood chips, coconut husk chips, and sponge rock. The sponge rock provides open air pockets in the mix and can be substituted with anything from charcoal, to styrofoam peanuts.
Humidity
We don't usually mention humidity when discussing culture for most of our orchids because humidity usually isn't a problem. Den-Phals will often lose their leaves in the winter, due to the low humidity in our homes. This doesn't hurt your orchid, but does make the plant a bit unsightly. You never want to remove the bare back canes because they are storing water, food and energy for the new growth. New growth will produce leaves that will supply more energy for new flowers. If you can keep the humidity in your home at 50% or more, you shouldn't have a problem with leaf drop. The more humidity you have the better - not only for your plants but for your own health too.
Be sure to read our section on 'General Orchid Care' for more tips on light, water, fertilizers and potting.
