Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems & Solutions
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Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids blossom in bright indirect light of about 10 hours per day, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids also called Hard Caned Dendrobium Orchids are among the popular orchids and bear large, long-lasting flowers arranged along an unbranched flowering stems which emerges from the top of the cane.
Dendrobium Orchids are evergreen, sympodial, branching herbs with cylindrical roots arising from the base of a pseudobulb. The pseudobulbs are long and cane-like and covered with the bases of the leaves. There are one to many leaves arranged in two ranks which vary in shape from linear to oblong and sometimes cylindrical.
Dendrobiums can be divided into Hard Caned or Soft Caned Dendrobiums. The Hard Caned Dendrobiums are also called Dendrobium Phalaenopsis because they have some characteristics similar to Phalaenopsis. These similar characteristics are thick, waxy leaves and the flowers are borne on a flower spike.
Hard Caned Dendrobiums have a harder cane than the Soft Caned Dendrobiums. Their pseudobulbs are tall and very thin.
Botanical name: Dendrobium
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Dendrobieae
Subtribe: Dendrobiinae
Origin
Dendrobiums are native to the tropical forests of Australia and New Guinea where temperatures are relatively constant therefore they do not require a significant temperature difference to induce flowering.
The genus name Dendrobium is derived from the Greek words dendro meaning "tree" and bios meaning "life" in reference to the epiphytic habit of most species. The genus name is abbreviated as Den. in horticultural journals.
Flower
The petals and sepals in Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are free from and more or less similar to each other but distinctly different from the lip (lowermost flower petal).
The lip is more or less egg-shaped and there is often a callus constising of narrow parallel ridges in the center of the lip. Many hybrids and cultivars have been developed which have greatly extended the range of colors.
The flowers range in color from white, green, yellow, pink, purple and often contrasting colors in the lip (lowermost flower petal). With good care Dendrobium Phalaenopsis orchid will bloom year after year and is considered one of the best flowering plants for any suitable space.
Is Dendrobium Phalaenopsis toxic?
No. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis are non-toxic to both humans and pets. These orchids are safe for kids, cats, dogs and other pets. They are safe to grow in the home.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to own Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids? You may acquire them online from Amazon (Link to Amazon) or from (Link to Etsy).
How to Care for Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid Indoors
To care for Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids indoors, provide bright indirect light of about 10 hours per day, warmth of 16-300C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, orchids potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids need regular pruning to keep them neat and encourage flowering. Repotting is only required when they become extremely pot-bound as they bloom best when root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
>How often should I water Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids?
Water Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting and yellowing.
Decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely to avoid wilting, drooping and yellow leaves.
Use room temperature water (tepid) to avoid cold shock which can lead to reduced growth. Ensure that the water is chlorine-free to prevent browning leaf tips and edges.
Confirm that the soil is loose, free-draining and the pot has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging which can result in rotting and yellowing. Avoid wetting the foliage to minimize fungal diseases.
Hard Caned Dendrobium Orchids like Brassavola Orchids are more tolerant of dry soil conditions due to the presence of pseudobulbs and their thick leaves so keep them on the drier side.
Light Requirements
Do Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids like sun or shade?
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids grow best in bright indirect light of about 10 hours per day. Keep it away from direct sunshine to avoid sun scorch on the leaves.
A Hard Caned Dendrobium Orchid that is receiving the right amount of light has light-green upright leaves. Dark green leaves indicate that the orchid needs more light. Yellow leaves means that the orchid is receiving too much light.
If the natural light is not enough, you may instal a full spectrum grow light to supplement it and ensure a healthy, vibrant growth.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the orchid gets adequate light on all sides for uniform growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids prefer a warmth of 16-300C. Warmer days and cooler night temperatures with a difference of 8-110C are ideal as they encourage flowering.
Keep the orchids away from sources drafts as they can cause stunted growth. Maintain good air circulation as the orchid cannot tolerate hot and stuffy conditions.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids thrive in a humidity of 60-70%. If the air is too dry, the orchid may wilt and develop dry leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Fertilizer
Feed Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids with a water-soluble, orchid fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer to promote a lush growth.
Withhold feeding in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time. Do not feed an orchid that is in flower.
Potting Medium
The best potting medium for Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids is orchids soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be loose and well-drained to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most orchid potting mixes are perfect for these orchids.
Repotting
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids bloom best when pot-bound. Repot only when growth begins to suffer, when the orchid has outgrown its pot and the new growth reaches out over the edge or when the soil has broken down completely.
Basically repotting every 2-3 years should be adequate. Repot only when new growth begins, shortly after blooming is over.
Use a pot with proper drainage holes or slits; the roots of the orchid need good air circulation. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one.
While repotting, shake off excess soil and trim off any dried and shrivelled pseudobulbs during repotting. Take a look at these ceramic orchid pots with a free slotted orchid pot liner on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid entails removal of dead and diseased leaves by cutting them at the base with sharp scissors or a knife.
The flower spike arises from the top of the cane. Once flowering is over, cut the flower stalk at the point where it meets the cane. The cane has the potential to produce more flower spikes.
Do not remove old leafless canes as they continue to provide water and nutrients to the orchid. The old canes can produce Keikis which can be used to propagate new orchids.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pests and diseases.
How to Trigger Flowering in Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis Dendrobium Orchid do not need a significant temperature difference to initiate flowering.
A slight difference of of 8-110C is adequate to initiate flowering. Reduce watering to maintain the soil moderately moist and withhold feeding during this period.
Take back the orchid to its usual spot when the 6 weeks period is over.
This kind of treatment will coax a Hard Caned Dendrobium Orchid to flower as it mimicks its natural triggers in the wild.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids Propagation
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are propagated by division of the rhizome or from keikis at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), once flowering is over.
1. Propagating Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids by division
- Gently split the rhizome into sections. Retain at least 3 shoots on each section.
- Seperate the roots attached to each section from the mother's root ball and remove the old potting soil attached to the roots of the section.
- Select a pot about 1-2 inches larger than the pseudobulb of the section. Make sure that the pot has enough drainage holes and slits to prevent rotting.
- Fill the pot one thirdway with a well-draining orchids soil.
- Position the section in the center of the pot. Bury the roots with the soil while ensuring that the bottom of the pseudobulb is level with the top of the soil.
- Stake each newly potted plant to prevent it from toppling over.
- Water the soil lightly and maintain it slightly moist to enhance root development.
- Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight until the section has established its own roots.
- Once well established, move the new orchid to its display position and begin routine care.
2. Propagating Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids from keikis
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids naturally produce "baby" orchids called keikis. The Keikis normally appear at the end of the cane which is where the keiki producing hormones accumulate. Keikis are identical copies of the parent.
A Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid keiki may take upto 3 years to begin blooming.
- Detach the keiki from the mother when about one year old; when it has developed 2-3 leaves and 1-3 inches long roots.
- Select a pot that has enough drainage holes and slits to prevent rotting.
- Fill the pot one thirdway with a well-draining orchids soil.
- Position the keiki in the center of the pot. Direct the roots downwards and provide support for the keiki.
- Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
- Water the soil lightly and maintain it slightly moist to enhance development.
- Mist the keiki regularly to maintain a humid enviroment.
- Once well established, move the new orchid to its display position and begin routine care.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids Problems & Remedies
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids common problems are yellow leaves, lack of blooms, drooping leaves, brown leaf tips & edges, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on your Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are too much light, soggy soil, inconsistent watering, dry air, drafts, nutrients deficiency or aging.
How to fix it
Too much light: Position the orchid in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Soggy soil: Use a chunky, well-draining soil and a pot with slits and proper drainage.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top half of soil feel dry to the touch but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to upscale humidity.
Drafts: Keep the orchid away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, hot surfaces, windy doors among others.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the orchid with an orchids fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and eventually die.
Lack of blooms
Lack of blooms on Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids is caused by too little light, nutrients deficiency, dry air, or lack of temperature variation.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the orchid in bright indirect light or use a grow light to supplement insufficient natural light.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the orchid with a water-soluble orchid fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Do not feed in fall and winter since growth is slowed.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to elevate humidity.
Lack of temperature variation: Expose the orchid to cooler nights to trigger blooming; a difference of 10-150C is needed.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves on Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are caused by underwatering, temperature stress or exposure to direct sunshine.
How to fix it
Underwatering: Water the orchid when the top half of soil feels dry to the touch. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts to avoid temperature flactuations.
Direct sunshine: Move the plant to a more shaded place or use a light curtain to filter the light.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips and edges on Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are caused by dry air, salts buildup and underwatering.
How to fix it
Dry air: To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together.
Salts buildup: Leach out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage hole.
Underwatering: Water when the top half of soil dries out but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Pests
Common pests on Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are spider mites, scales and mealybugs which are common in dry air conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected orchid to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the orchid with a horticultural oil as per the manufacturers' instructions.
- Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Keep the orchid well pruned and raise humidity to depress the pests infestations.
Diseases
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are prone to powdery mildew which presents as white mold on the leaves and is prevalent in stuffy, damp conditions.
How to fix it
- Cut and discard the affected leaves to minimize spread of the disease.
- Do not mist the orchid; set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a humidifier to raise humidity.
- Maintain good air flow for the orchid to discourage the disease.
- Take care not to wet the foliage during watering.
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