Orchids classified as Dendrobium belong to a specialized group known as epiphytes. Epiphytes are in a group (including the ever-popular bromeliads) that adheres to objects like trees or rocks. They are called so because, though they attach themselves to objects, they aren’t parasites. They don’t receive nutrients from the would be “host” and they are often referred to as “air plants.”

The Habitats in Which These Plants Can be Found

These flowers are found in the Far East, Borneo, the Philippines, Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. There are 1200 species in many colors, shapes and sizes. Many of them you will be familiar with already. If you are interested in basic Dendrobium orchid care that you can use to have these plants blooming in your home, then this article is perfect for you.

Getting Into The Detailed Care These Plants Require

Dendrobium care is not the easiest task to perform especially for beginners, but they work well for an intermediate gardeners. Along with cymbidium, cattleya hybrids, laelia and stanhopea, this species will grow well when cultivated outdoors, but they can be grown indoors too.

An interesting fact about these plants is that instead of pseudo bulbs they have little knobs growing from the stems commonly called “pups.” Pups are one of the means through which they propagate.

Dampening The Roots Plays an Important Role With These Flowers

When growing these plants it is important to dampen the roots, but when dormant they need to be allowed to dry out. In the dormant state their stems will look like bamboo stems. When your flower begins to come out of dormancy, its joints will swell, and you will know that it needs to be watered more regularly.

One of the best ways to know if your plant needs water during its active phase is to hold its pot in your hand. This is a simple tactic that everyone should take use of immediately. If it is very light weight, then it might need water. If heavy it probably doesn’t.

This procedure is something that you will develop and knack for over time, but watering or not watering these plants properly is vital to its overall well-being. After a while you will also begin to recognize the signs and appearance of a healthy flower, bright red roots, for example.

Misting Your Plant is a Helpful Benefit

This task could also consist of just misting the plant because it is vital to its health, particularly on hot summer days when many of your plants become a little desiccated. Light spray is especially important to seedlings, rootless starts, and weak or less healthy plants and misting is good for all your plants.

Some enthusiasts of this particular flower find success by potting their plants in light, damp soil and don’t actually water them until their roots show. Instead they mist them fairly heavily daily.

Take Advantage of The Dampening Process

One of the best procedures for simple dendrobium care, is to do something called “dampening.” In dampening you wet down the walls, paths, and all areas around the container. This method is less likely to cause less damage, and it imitates the features of nature creating a gentle, humid mist or slow drizzle that will surround your orchid.

Checking The PH of The Water

Another vital part to growing dendrobiums successfully is the PH of the water. It should be slightly acidic, between 4.5 and 5. Check your water to see if it is acid or base, and if it is base, then you must do something to bring the acid level down a chemist, or even your hardware store or a tropical fish dealer should give you a simple chemical to add to your water. Bringing down the Ph is very easy to do.

As you can see with just a little bit of proper dendrobium orchid care can go a long way especially if you want these plants thriving whenever you want to see them blossom.