Dendrobium Phalaenopsis are very popular orchids, not just for the multitudes of colorful flowers they produce but they like the same temperature range that we also live with in our homes.
The color of the flowers varies from pinkish-mauve to lavender or purple and sometimes almost white, with the base of the labellum (modified petal in the middle) being a much darker purple.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis may bloom at any time during the year and the flowers on each stem can last up to 4 months.
The flowers come on stems emerging out of the top of each newly developed cane or from previously flowered canes.
This Dendrobium, in the picture bellow, was in flower when I bought it but it was not in a very good shape.
Now it has two new stems emerging from the sides of the old cane.
Temperature: These hybrids are warm growing, with minimum temperatures of 18°C nights and our normal ambiance temperature, with maximums of 32°C, during the day.
Ensure fresh air and air movement for plants grown indoors.
Watering: Water thoroughly, with naturally soft water or rain water.
When the plant is in active growth, roots should be moist at all times but should dry out somewhat when the plant is not actively growing.
Re-potting:
- in the smallest possible pot, just big enough to hold the roots;
- when the medium is beginning to decompose, usually after about two years;
- when the growth has reached the edge of the pot;
- the best potting mediums are mixtures of 1.5 to 2.5 cm chunks of bark, perlite and charcoal;
- best time to repot: as new growths are just starting to form.
Fertilize weakly and frequently with a balanced fertilizer; every week in spring and summer and every two weeks in autumn and winter.
Recently, the Dendrobium bigibbum complex has been separated into the genus Vappodes. The new name of Vappodes phalaenopsis has now been accepted by the World Checklist of Monocotyledons, as a synonym of Dendrobium bigibbum. (Wikipedia)
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis may bloom at any time during the year and the flowers on each stem can last up to 4 months.
The flowers come on stems emerging out of the top of each newly developed cane or from previously flowered canes.
This Dendrobium, in the picture bellow, was in flower when I bought it but it was not in a very good shape.
Now it has two new stems emerging from the sides of the old cane.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis care:
Light: Dendrobium Phalaenopsis hybrids require medium to high light levels. In an East, West or South window sill, two to four hours of sunshine is needed for the a healthy plant with light green leaves. Fluorescent tubes may also be successful for miniature varieties, grown indoors.Temperature: These hybrids are warm growing, with minimum temperatures of 18°C nights and our normal ambiance temperature, with maximums of 32°C, during the day.
Ensure fresh air and air movement for plants grown indoors.
Watering: Water thoroughly, with naturally soft water or rain water.
When the plant is in active growth, roots should be moist at all times but should dry out somewhat when the plant is not actively growing.
Re-potting:
- in the smallest possible pot, just big enough to hold the roots;
- when the medium is beginning to decompose, usually after about two years;
- when the growth has reached the edge of the pot;
- the best potting mediums are mixtures of 1.5 to 2.5 cm chunks of bark, perlite and charcoal;
- best time to repot: as new growths are just starting to form.
Fertilize weakly and frequently with a balanced fertilizer; every week in spring and summer and every two weeks in autumn and winter.
Recently, the Dendrobium bigibbum complex has been separated into the genus Vappodes. The new name of Vappodes phalaenopsis has now been accepted by the World Checklist of Monocotyledons, as a synonym of Dendrobium bigibbum. (Wikipedia)
And what about this gorgeous Odontocidium with its petals on fire?
I'm sure you'll love it!
4 comments:
Thanks for the growing tips. I may break down and try an orchid someday. I was at the local Home Depot (home improvement store) one day last week and they were selling orchids for $7.50. They've become much more common in the past two years and we can usually even find them in our supermarket floral departments but with a price tag of $10 to $20.
Oh how I love orchids, I've gotten rid of all mine but I still get to enjoy my mom's. :) Wonderful photos!
The color of those petals is gorgeous!
I have tried many times to re-pot my orchids and every time, I end up making them worse. I just did another two, so we will see how it turns out.
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