Proper cultivation of dendrobium orchids at home. Dendrobium: home care Types of dendrobium orchids home care

Among the whole sea of ​​shapes and colors of graceful orchids Dendrobium nobile remains unique and unforgettable. This orchid blooms very unusually. Its trunk is literally strewn with large flowers of various colors from the base to the top. It attracts the attention of flower growers and the fact that caring for this species is not as difficult as for others. Having learned all the nuances of caring for a plant, even a novice orchidist will be able to cope with growing Dendrobium nobile at home.

Origin and appearance of the Dendrobium nobile orchid

The perennial herbaceous plant Dendrobium nobile belongs to the orchid family. Its second name, Noble Orchid, characterizes this wonderful flower as precisely as possible.

Like most representatives of the orchid family, Dendrobium nobile came to us from Asia. India, Bhutan, Assam, the Himalayas, Thailand, China - this is not a complete list of countries where this plant is found.

The translation of the name of this genus of orchids - "living on trees" - speaks for itself. These orchids lead an epiphytic lifestyle - they grow on other plants or are permanently attached to them. Dendrobium nobile grows in deciduous and evergreen tropical forests. But there are also lithophytes that adorn the harsh, moss-covered rocks.

Dendrobium nobile has a sympodial type of growth: from erect pseudobulbs, divided into segments, a thick juicy stem up to 90 cm high is formed. At first, a green, pseudobulb, by the end of life (after about 4 years), turns yellow and dies. But before that, babies are formed on its top, giving life to new plants.

Appearing in Europe in the 19th century, the plant instantly became incredibly popular. On its basis, they immediately began to develop new hybrids, which in our time can no longer be counted. For this reason, a real Dendrobium Nobile orchid cannot be found in a store.

Large, up to 9 cm in diameter, the flowers have a waxy texture. The color is varied - white, yellow, orange, deep purple. hallmark hybrids Dendrobium nobile is a special arrangement of flower stalks. They are formed not at the top of the pseudobulb, but along its entire length. Inflorescences consist of 1 - 3 flowers. And the whole pseudobulb can be decorated with 70 flowers at the same time.

Care and reproduction of Dendrobium Nobile at home are not difficult. But this, of course, when compared with the complexity of keeping other species of the orchid family. Indeed, nobile does not need to shake over the Dendrobium and, as they say, blow off the dust particles from it. But you need to clearly understand that an orchid is not a simple geranium, but an exotic that requires heightened attention and strict observance of the rules of care. The florist who took the Dendrobium Nobile into his home is obliged to create an environment for the orchid that is as close as possible to the natural conditions of its habitat.

Advantages and disadvantages of an exotic flower

Among the advantages of this orchid, flower growers note beauty, a variety of shapes and colors, a pleasant aroma, and long flowering. And, of course, a non-capricious character compared to other orchids.

Among the shortcomings are intolerance to dry air, which complicates the care of Dendrobium Nobile at home in apartments with central heating.

Representatives of the orchid family are not very fond of transplanting, and Dendrobium nobile is no exception. The plant is transplanted 1 time in 3 years - and then out of urgent need:

• if the plant is sick;
• in case of compaction or salinization of the substrate;
• the plant grew strong, the pot became cramped.

Dendrobium nobile is transplanted in the spring, after flowering.

Soil composition

For planting or transplanting Dendrobium nobile, a soil mixture is required that conducts air and water well. The basis of such a mixture is pine bark of the middle fraction. In it, if desired, you can add chopped moss, coconut fiber. Be sure to include pieces of coal in the substrate, they will prevent the soil from acidifying.

You should also take into account the factor of illumination.

• if the plant is located on the south window, then more moss can be added to the mixture - it retains moisture longer;
• on the north window, on the contrary, the mixture should “breathe” more - it is better to add small pieces of polystyrene foam as baking powder to the pine bark.

In which pot to move the plant

Dendrobium nobile not small plant especially adult specimens. Therefore, it is better to choose an air-permeable clay container with good drainage holes.

Before planting, clay containers must be prepared: ignited in the oven, allowed to cool and soaked in clean, settled water for 2 hours.

Now there are a lot of special ceramic orchid pots on sale, which have holes on the walls, which significantly improves gas exchange in the root system. The size of the pot should correspond to the size of the root system and only 2 cm larger than the diameter of the previous one.

How to transplant: a step-by-step description of the process

1. The old soil is completely removed from the root system of the plant. If this is difficult to do, the pot with the plant is soaked in water, and then the swollen substrate is very easily removed.
2. Examine the roots, remove damaged or broken ones. The wounds must be sprinkled with crushed coal and left for several hours in the air so that the damaged areas dry out.
3. At this time, a large layer of drainage is poured into a new container, and about 2-3 cm layer of substrate is on top. It is better to lay it in a slide so that it is more convenient to arrange the roots.
4. The orchid is placed exactly in the center of the dish, the remaining substrate is added on the sides. Pseudobulbs do not bury.
5. If the plant needs support, it must be installed and the orchid fixed on it.
6. The transplanted plant is sent to a shaded place with a temperature of 20 ° C.
7. After 2-3 days of adaptation, if there was no severe damage to the root system, the orchid can be watered.

Dendrobium nobile is grown not only in pots. Orchids placed on a block grow very well. A block is a material to which a plant can be attached. To do this, you can use the bark of a pine or cork oak, a block of a tree fern. Recently, this method of landing has become increasingly popular.

Video: the dendrobium has faded - you can transplant

What to do when caring for an orchid at home

Caring for the Dendrobium nobile is not as difficult as for some other types of orchids, but the plant requires you to strictly follow the basic rules.

An orchid will live and bloom with proper watering.

First, let's talk about the quality of the liquid. Water should be soft, filtered. You can use boiled and cooled. Its temperature should be several degrees above room temperature.

Each apartment has its own microclimate, therefore, under different conditions of detention, it is impossible to establish clear watering rules: the grower must focus on the level of illumination and temperature of his own home. The hotter, the more generous watering should be, and, conversely, with a decrease in temperature, the intensity of moisture decreases.

Spring and summer watering is characterized by abundance, but not frequency. The bark that fills the pot must dry completely before the next moistening. AT winter period water very carefully to avoid root rot.

The ideal moisturizing method still remains the immersion method, when the pot with the plant is immersed 1/3 in a container of water so that the roots and substrate are well nourished, then the excess moisture is allowed to drain.

Many flower growers recommend regularly bathing an orchid under a hot shower, the temperature of which is from 40 to 45 ° C. This procedure not only cleans the leaves, helping to improve gas exchange in the tissues, but also stimulates flowering. Be sure to soak the water in the axils of the leaves after a shower to avoid rotting.

How much to fertilize

Since the orchid grows in poor soil, it must be fertilized, but only at a certain time. Top dressing begins in the spring, when the active growth of the flower resumes, and continues during the flowering period. You should never forget how much and what kind of feeding Dendrobium Nobile needs. Only fertilizers intended for orchids should be used. Their rate is reduced by half from that indicated in the instructions. Fertilizers are applied at every 3rd watering. Foliar top dressing with a highly diluted fertilizer will not be superfluous. By alternating these methods, you will help the plant absorb nutrients as much as possible.

Dendrobium nobile has one feature. In spring, not only growth buds wake up, but also flower ones. Passion for nitrogen fertilizers will lead to the formation of a large number of children, but you can not wait for flowering. Therefore, when the sprouts have reached almost half their size, discard nitrogen-containing top dressings in favor of those that include phosphorus.

Video: how not to fertilize a plant

Preparing for flowering

Dendrobium nobile blooms in different time year, this is due to the incredible number of hybrid forms. The flowering period takes a month, sometimes a little more. Its duration directly depends on the air temperature of the room in which the plant is contained. The higher it is, the sooner the orchids will bloom. The ideal temperature for flowering is 18 C.

Sometimes an orchid refuses to bloom. Why? This happens if you do not pay attention to the requirements of the plant for the conditions of detention. If you comply the right combination parameters of lighting, temperature and watering, then there will be no problems with the development of flower buds.

1. From spring, lighting should be as bright as possible.
2. The temperature during the day is within 25 C and not higher, at night it is 3–5 C lower, otherwise the flower buds will be reborn into growth buds.
3. Watering is plentiful, with good drying of the substrate.
4. Don't overdo it with fertilizers. High concentrations can damage the roots.

After flowering, all flower stalks are removed. If there is a need for a transplant, do it. For a few days after transplanting, do not water the orchid to prevent the possible development of rot on the roots.

And most importantly - after flowering for an orchid, a period of rest must necessarily come.

Do not rush to remove old yellowed pseudobulbs. They will serve as food for young growing shoots. You can cut them off only after they dry. Do not forget to sprinkle the cut with crushed coal.

For Dendrobium Nobile to bloom actively, it needs a lot of light.

Video: careful care will make the orchid bloom

How to care when the dormant period has come

Dendrobium Nobile is a cyclic plant. It is necessary to create such conditions for the orchid so that it goes through all the cycles of its development provided by nature. The rest period is very important for a flower. It was at this time that he accumulates strength, begins preparing for the next flowering.

In our climatic conditions The Dendrobium nobile is forced to go into winter rest. This is due to the decrease in light intensity.

1. The plant must be taken out to a room with a daytime temperature of 15 - 16 C, a night temperature of 10 - 12 C.
2. Watering stops. If the pseudobulbs begin to wrinkle, you can lightly spray the substrate and leaves.
3. It is not necessary to specially maintain humidity around the plant during this period.
4. After 2-3 weeks, flower buds should appear in the internodes of the pseudobulb.

After flowering, the orchid must rest

Table: seasonal requirements of the Noble Orchid to the conditions of detention

Table: the most common care errors, their elimination

Mistake	How does it manifest	elimination
dry brown spots on the leaves	Sunburn	Do not allow the leaves to be exposed to direct sunlight after spraying (especially through window glass). You need to accustom the orchid to the sun gradually
Moist, rotting spots on leaves	Spraying at low temperatures	Avoid spraying if the air temperature is below 20°C. Under these conditions, moisture is very slowly evaporates, and conditions favorable for the development of gray rot are created
The lower leaves turn yellow and fall off, while the orchid looks healthy	Natural aging process of leaf plates	Do not worry: the leaf lives no more than 2 years
leaf base rots	Water intrusion into leaf axils	After spraying and showering, remove water from the leaf axils with a tissue
Dendrobium refuses blossom	Not enough light. Rest period not observed	Dendrobium Nobile - the most light-loving orchids. Without sufficient lighting and a dormant period, the plant will not bloom.

Table: diseases and pests characteristic of Dendrobium nobile

The best prevention of Dendrobium Nobile against diseases and pests is proper care.

Diseases and pests	Symptoms	Treatment measures	Prevention
Root and stem rot fungal disease, caused by frequent waterlogging of the soil	The plant looks wilted. Leaves and pseudobulbs are covered with weeping brown spots.	The plant needs an urgent transplant. Remove the old substrate. Cut off damaged areas of roots and leaves. Sprinkle wounds and healthy roots with crushed coal and dry. If the lesion has severely affected the orchid, the plant must be treated with Mykosan biofungicide. Plant in new soil. Don't water for a couple of weeks.	Adjust the watering schedule according to the conditions in which the orchid grows. Water only after the soil is completely dry.
thrips	Small winged insects found on the underside of leaves. Damaged leaves turn brown and fall off. The edges of the flower petals look withered.	Spray the orchid with a solution of Aktara insecticide (4 g per 5 liters of water). If the plant is heavily infected, the treatment should be repeated after 2 weeks. You can apply Actellik (2 ml per 2 liters) of water. With a slight lesion, 1 spraying is enough, with a strong one - again after 15 days. The drug is toxic, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment. Drugs can be alternated.	From insects, the leaves are cleaned with a napkin dipped in a soapy solution, which has an antiseptic and disinfecting effect. Bathe your orchid regularly in the shower. Spraying the plant tincture of garlic.
Aphid	Aphids are able to colonize a flower very quickly. Entire colonies of pests actively suck out cell sap, which is why the leaves of the orchid are deformed, turn yellow and die.
Shchitovka	Sap-eating insects hide under brown shells. In a weakened plant, the leaves turn yellow and dry.
Cobweb-covered leaves and shoots are the main sign of the pest. Piercing the leaf, he leaves many small spots, which then merge into large ones. Affected leaves and flower stalks die off.

Photo gallery: recognize pests and diseases

A scab on an orchid leaf A spider mite braids young shoots with the thinnest cobweb

Reproduction methods

Propagating Dendrobium nobile at home is not so easy. There are 3 proven methods to get an orchid to give offspring.

The division of the bush

An adult and healthy Dendrobium nobile orchid, which has at least 3 pseudobulbs, is subjected to this method of reproduction. Since the procedure for the plant is stressful, it is carried out no more than 1 time in 4 years, combined with a transplant. Divided only after the Dendrobium nobile has faded.

1. Before dividing the bush, the root system of the orchid must be well saturated with water so that the roots become more flexible and pliable.
2. We remove the plant from the pot, shake off the substrate. With a sharpened knife we ​​divide into parts so that each has 2 - 3 pseudobulbs with roots.
3. Slices are immediately covered with crushed coal.
4. We leave the delenki for a day in a slightly shaded place to dry the wounds.
5. We plant in a suitable soil mixture and care in the same way as after transplanting.
6. New plants will flower next year.

Why choose cuttings

This method is considered the easiest.

1. For cuttings, you need to cut off an old pseudobulb without leaves (plant stem) under the root and cut it into pieces. Each must have at least 1 dormant bud.
2. We process the cut points with coal dust.
3. We put the cuttings in a container filled with wet moss. We cover with a bag or glass to create greenhouse conditions inside.
4. We keep the greenhouse in bright diffused light, regularly moisten and ventilate.
5. The root system is formed in 2 - 3 weeks, and the children themselves grow very quickly.

Reproduction by children

Dendrobium nobile forms a lot of children, including those from reborn flower buds.

Try to keep the babies on the mother plant as long as possible. This is necessary in order for the root system to grow.

When the shoots reach 8 cm in size, they can be carefully separated from the mother plant with a knife.

Treat cut points with activated charcoal.

After a day, independent young plants can be planted in the substrate.

Dendrobium is a numerous genus of herbaceous epiphytic orchids. The name is derived from the Greek roots "dendron" - tree and "bios" - life, translated as "living on a tree." The genus was named and described in 1799 by Peter Olof Schwartz. There are about 1200 species of the genus growing in the tropical forests of South Asia, Australia, Polynesia.

Botanical description

Dendrobiums are orchids with a sympodial type of growth. Shoots - pseudobulbs form sprouts at the base with the help of a rhizome - a rhizome.

The roots are branched, covered with whitish velamen.

The shoots are cylindrical in shape different types smooth or ribbed, often thickened.

The size of the shoots, depending on the species, varies from 2 cm to 5 m in length.

The leaves are elongated, elliptical or lanceolate in shape, membranous bases clasp the shoot along the entire length or are concentrated at its top. Species with pronounced seasonal growth may be deciduous.

Dendrobium inflorescences are brushes from 2-3 to many flowers, appear on the sides of the shoot or hang from the top. Flowers are diverse in color and size, fragrant in some species. The lower sepal - the lip of all dendrobiums is folded into a tube around the column.

Geography of growth

The distribution area of ​​dendrobiums is the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, starting from the Himalayas, as well as Indonesia, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand.

Some species are found on the South American continent. Most dendrobiums are epiphytes, some are lithophytes.

Dendrobiums are protected by law, the export of orchids from nature is prohibited by the international convention CITES.

plant structure

The structure of the dendrobium is of practical interest for its reproduction.

Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid. This means that an adult plant consists of several stems bearing leaves and flowers. Mature stems in some species shed their leaves.

Dendrobium stems are pseudobulbs - organs that store water and nutrients.

A bud awakens at the base of the pseudobulb, from which a new shoot sprouts, leaves form on it, and roots form in the lower part.

The initial pseudobulb subsequently becomes a posterior storage organ. Subsequent ones, as they mature, also become storage facilities and produce young shoots. Such successive links form a branched colony.

The stem of the dendrobium consists of segments separated by leaf sheaths. The leaves on the stem grow only once, if due to drought or other reasons they have fallen off, new ones will not appear. In places where the leaves are attached, flower buds are formed, and sometimes - aerial roots or run away kids. In some species, such as Phalaenopsis Dendrobium, flower clusters form from the top of the shoot.

Species and varieties

The following species are suitable for growing orchids in the house: noble dendrobium (D. nobile), dendrobium moniliforme, dendrobium phalaenopsis, King's dendrobium, Lindley's dendrobium, Parish's dendrobium. On sale you can find hybrids bred with the participation of the noble dendrobium and the phalaenopsis dendrobium. natural views more often found in the collections of botanical gardens or amateur orchidists.

Hybrids and varieties

The most widespread varieties and hybrids of Dendrobium noble and Dendrobium phalaenopsis.

Dendrobium Yamamoto

A line of tetraploid hybrids based on Dendrobium nobilis. They are distinguished by compact erect stems, 40-50 cm tall, densely strewn with bright flowers during the flowering period. Yamamoto hybrids are easy to grow, grow well in room conditions. Popular groups of varieties Himezakura, Fancy Angel (pictured below), Spring Dream, New Century, Red Emperor, Yellow Song and others.

Dendrobium Stardust

Dendrobium Stardust (Stardust) - a popular hybrid involving dendrobium unique and moniliform. It has thin stems up to 50 cm tall, narrow leaves. Peduncles germinate in the internodes of the stems, contain 1-5 yellow or orange flowers 6 cm in size, lip with brown veins. Flowering is plentiful. The photo below is a representative of this hybrid.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Popular varieties of dendrobium phalaenopsis:

• Anna Green with yellow-green petals and a contrasting crimson lip (pictured below);
• maroon with a brown tint Black Beauty,
• white-flowered varieties Bon White, Big White and Snow White;
• greenish-yellow Jade Green and Lemon Green.

Photos of different varieties

new century

Yellow Song

Bon White

Jade Green

Planting and reproduction at home

There are several ways of reproduction of this species, below we will consider the main ones.

Reproduction by children

Dendrobium babies are aerial shoots growing on the trunk from vegetative buds in the axils of the leaves. Shoots from the bottom of the plant are not children.

• Children can be separated when the shoot forms the first leaves, and the length of the roots reaches 5 cm.
• They are placed in pots with a sterilized substrate or a small fraction of the bark mixed with sphagnum, moisten the substrate
• . Contain at 22-25 ° C. Before rooting, the children are watered moderately, spraying is preferable.
• When the baby is actively growing, it can be watered like an adult plant.

Reproduction by seeds

Seed propagation of dendrobium requires special knowledge and skills. Dust-like seeds are sown on a sterile nutrient medium in glass flasks and grown in the laboratory.

Propagation of dendrobium by cuttings

• Deciduous species are propagated by stem cuttings.
• Pseudobulbs are cut from the mother plant and divided into segments with 2-3 internodes.
• The cuttings are placed in a plastic bag with wet sphagnum moss and kept until the roots appear.
• After that, the cuttings are planted in the substrate and looked after like children, carefully watering. After a while, young sprouts appear.

The division of the bush

simple and affordable way. A link of three components: a posterior pseudobulb - a mature pseudobulb with leaves - a young bud (growth) is used to propagate the dendrobium. You can take part of the bush with more than three shoots.

To do this, we take the dendrobium out of the pot, find a suitable link, carefully cut the rhizome - the rhizome and carefully separate it. Sprinkle the cut with charcoal. We try not to damage the roots and stems. deposited in separate pot part a little dry, then we water it like an adult plant.

Orchid Care

Dendrobium orchid care includes compliance with the life requirements of the plant: light, temperature, watering, air humidity, a suitable substrate. In addition, care involves observing the seasonal rhythms of vegetation inherent in the orchid in nature. The conditions of detention are determined by the stage of development of the orchid and have a seasonal cycle that mimics natural conditions.

Temperature

There are several conditional temperature groups of dendrobiums:

Types of temperate temperature zone, which requires a night temperature of about 10°C. Dendrobium nobile belongs to this group. .

Kinds temperate-warm zone, requiring night temperatures around 15°C;

Types of warm zone in need of temperature 15°-18°C at night. Dendrobium phalaenopsis belongs to this group.

If you do not know what type of dendrobium you have acquired, watch the reaction of the plant different modes temperatures. Most species and hybrids grow well at 20-25°C. At rest, night temperatures are reduced to 12–15 ° C. Hybrids are more tolerant of room conditions.

Humidity

The air humidity suitable for dendrobiums is from 40 to 60%. In summer, plants need to be sprayed. It is better if the orchid is outdoors - on a loggia or in a garden, in the shade of trees.

Important! Water should not stagnate in the axils of the leaves.

The growing dendrobium is watered abundantly, without bringing the soil to complete drying. Watering frequency is about twice a week. At rest, the soil should dry out completely between waterings. Irrigation water is taken settled or filtered, at room temperature.

In winter, many species are dormant and do without additional measures to increase humidity. Vegetatives can humidify the air by placing containers with moistened moss or expanded clay.

Place

Dendrobiums are photophilous plants. The best for them will be bright diffused light.

Assume sunlight in the morning and evening. The midday sun burns the leaves and stems, so the orchid should be shaded in spring and summer.

In the autumn-winter period, the dendrobium is placed as close as possible to the window. For plants that bloom in winter, southeast, south, southwest windows are suitable. Eastern and Western - the best option for most hybrids. Nordic windows are completely unsuitable; the plant will need artificial lighting.

The location of the orchid should provide at least a slight difference in day and night temperatures.

Priming

Dendrobiums are epiphytes, so ordinary earth and peat soils are not applicable to them. Get a special soil for orchids, they are sold in stores.

You can make a substrate for the dendrobium yourself. Substrate components:

• boiled pine bark, pieces 0.5-1.5 cm in size;
• chopped sphagnum moss;
• charcoal.

Some hobbyists add chopped fern roots to the substrate.

Small types of dendrobium grow well on blocks of pine bark. To plant an orchid on a block, the roots are wrapped in moss and tied to a bark plate. Orchids on blocks need frequent spraying and high humidity. It's easier to keep them in winter garden or in a glass florarium.

Care during flowering

Put the blooming dendrobium in a bright, cool place so that flowering lasts longer.

Do not rearrange the plant unnecessarily and do not turn the pot, otherwise the buds may fall off.

In winter, do not spray flowering dendrobium, this should only be done in the summer heat. When spraying the plant, make sure that the drops do not linger on the flowers - the delicate petals will get burned in the sun.

On a note! You can increase the humidity on the windowsill in winter locally. Place the orchid planter in a tray filled with damp expanded clay or sphagnum moss so that the water does not wet the pot. Ultrasonic humidifiers are also suitable.

Watering

Watering the dendrobium depends on the phase of plant development. During the growing season, the plant is provided with abundant watering. The substrate between waterings should dry out and be ventilated.

Water the dendrobium by briefly immersing the roots of the orchid in a container with soft, settled water. The whole plant does not need to be submerged in water. Then the pot is put out to dry so that the water is completely glass, and only then can the dendrobium be returned to its permanent place.

Water after watering must be drained from the pan after half an hour.

Carefully! Do not soak the plant long time! Excess water is contraindicated for dendrobium.

During the growth period, it is useful to periodically wash the plant under a warm shower. To prevent salinization of the substrate, it is also washed in the shower for several minutes, then spilled with several liters of filtered water.

With the end of growth and the maturation of young shoots, the frequency of watering is reduced. Heavy watering at this stage may cause budding instead of flowering. When flower buds appear, watering resumes.

Transfer

Dendrobiums are sensitive to transplantation, the roots of the orchid are very fragile. The plant should not be repotted during flowering.

For transplantation, select a dormant period or the beginning of the growing season - the awakening of growth buds.

The size of the pot is selected in proportion to the volume of the root system, 1-2 cm more than the root ball.

For dendrobiums, translucent and opaque plastic, as well as ceramic pots are suitable. In transparent pots for orchids, overheating of the substrate is possible.

Top dressing and fertilizer

dendrobiums fed only during the growing season- flowering and the subsequent growth cycle. The optimal feeding frequency is once every two weeks.

Fertilizer for orchids is dissolved in irrigation water, into which the plant pot is immersed. The first and last top dressing is given to the plant in a dose reduced by half.

Care after flowering

The faded dendrobium is provided with a dormant period, after which it will begin new cycle growth.

For species dendrobiums, the duration of the dormant period is best specified in the specialized literature. Most likely, you are the happy owner of a hybrid adapted to room conditions.

• Stop feeding the dendrobium with fertilizers.
• Watering the plant is gradually reduced.
• Increase the intervals between waterings, gradually bringing them to the drying of the substrate.
• The plant is placed in a cool place where it is possible to ensure the difference between day and night temperatures - a loggia, a summer veranda. In an ordinary apartment, you can take advantage of periods of turning off central heating - April-May or September-October.
• When you see buds sprouting at the root collar, gradually increase the watering of the plant.

pruning

During flowering, the dendrobium should not be disturbed by pruning. Wait for the end of flowering.

Even if you are a perfectionist, do not rush to cut off faded leafless stems.

We remember that they stocked up on nutrients to ensure the growth of young shoots.

Stems are subject to pruning in two cases:

• strongly wrinkled, yellowed and dried stems - they have exhausted their resource and take away living space from young shoots.
• Obviously rotting, damaged pseudobulbs - to prevent the spread of infection to the remaining bush.

Diseases and pests

Dendrobiums get sick with a fungal infection with improper care.

The disease is caused by cold drafts, overheating, waterlogging of the soil, especially during the dormant period.

Try to save the plant. Take the orchid out of the pot, cut off all the rotten parts, sprinkle the rest with charcoal powder or pickle with fungicides Fundazol, Maxim. Plant the orchid in a fresh substrate. Next, the plant must be dried for 7-10 days.

The orchid can suffer from pest attacks. Most often, orchids in a room are attacked by a spider mite, mealybug or aphid scale insect.

Weekly showers and rinsing the plants will keep the spider mite from spreading. In case of severe infection, apply solutions of Fitoverm or Actellik preparations.

Disease prevention

Orchid diseases are a consequence of a violation of living conditions. Prevention of diseases consists in observing the basic requirements of the content:

• Do not allow moisture to stagnate in the pot.
• Drying the substrate between waterings.
• Good ventilation.
• No drafts in winter.
• Sunburn relief.
• Pest quarantine. Do not place garden bouquets, fruits and vegetables, or newly acquired plants next to orchids.

Growing mistakes

• Non-observance of the rest period. The plant continues to grow, but after a while it is depleted. Often the orchid does not bloom or forms babies instead of flowering.
• Uneven watering during the growing season. Young shoots are bent, the leaves take the form of an "accordion". With a lack of moisture, shoots can stop growth.
• Too much watering causes acidification of the substrate and rotting of the roots.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Below we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions.

Why are the stems wrinkled? What am I doing wrong?

Shrinking stems - natural process. Young shoots grow at the expense of the mother plant, they take food from it, and the pseudobulbs “lose weight”. Increased watering will not stop drying out, but on the contrary, it can provoke root rot. Shoots can also shrivel during dormancy. Watering should be increased only from the moment flower buds appear.

Leaves are falling, what should I do?

Partial leaf fall in dendrobium occurs after flowering, during dormancy. Usually the leaves dry out gradually, starting from the bottom of the stem.

Attention! Sudden yellowing and dropping of leaves all over the stem can signal root rot!

Dendrobium does not bloom, what is the reason?

Lack of incentive to bloom - a dormant period. Move the plant to a cooler place, reduce watering.

The reason may lie in the lack of lighting or, conversely, in an excessively hot location.

• Instead of flower stalks, babies grow on the stem. The plant needs rest after the end of growth: reduced watering and daily temperature fluctuations within 10 degrees.
• The shoot turned yellow or turned brown, is it not dangerous?

Old pseudobulbs that have lost their leaves usually remain green or yellowish. A sudden change in color is a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection.

Why are growing shoots thin or crooked?

The young stem gains thickness after maturation, becoming an adult. The curvature of the escape towards the window indicates a lack of light. Deformation of sprouts is also caused by changes in humidity and temperature during the growth period, rare and uneven watering.

orchid drops flowers

Check if your orchid is exposed to cold drafts from a window. Possible reason- drying during flowering.

Sticky droplets appeared on the leaves and stems, what is it?

This is normal. It is believed that in nature the plant attracts ants for its protection. However, check for scale insects or other chewing pests on the plant. Perhaps watering the plant should be reduced a little.

Useful video

Learn more about dendrobium orchids from the video below:

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Many beginners start a dendrobium on impulse, subdued by its beautiful flowering. Indeed, this is a very beautiful blooming orchid. On sale, it is less common than the well-known phalaenopsis and is more expensive. According to the conditions of maintenance, these plants also differ somewhat. But here you bought yourself a dendrobium, brought it home. What to do with him next? Let's talk about it.

Most dendrobiums are epiphytic plants, like other orchids. They live on tree trunks, but they feed on their own. Translated from Greek, dendrobium is translated as “growing on a tree”. To date, more than 1000 species of dendrobiums have been described. Their natural habitat: Asia, New Guinea, India.

These flowers are suitable for keeping in greenhouses and city apartments. Flowering time depends on the species, but mostly occurs in the spring. Inflorescences have a light pleasant aroma. Compared to other types of orchids, this is not such a whimsical plant.

On average, the dendrobium grows up to half a meter in height, but larger specimens are also found. The stem consists of cylindrical pseudobulbs. The leaves are alternate, flower stalks appear from their axils, on which from one to 4 flowers bloom. The color of the petals can be very different. White, lilac, yellow, pink dendrobiums can be one-color, or two-color and even three-color.

Types of Dendrobium with a photo

Each type of dendrobium has something special and needs its own care. That is why we will highlight the most popular of them.

Dendrobium nobile

One of the most decorative types. Dendrobium nobile has fleshy, erect stems with a smooth and shiny surface. In height reaches half a meter or a little more. It begins to bloom in the second year of life with bright fragrant flowers. In hybrid varieties, flowering occurs several times a year.

The flowers are large, up to 10 cm in diameter, most often have a white border. The petals are elongated, with pointed tips. In its homeland in the Himalayas, dendrobium nobile grows on the slopes of the mountains. Flower growers consider him unpretentious in care. The minimum temperature of maintenance in winter is 15-16 degrees.

It needs bright diffused light throughout the year. In winter, this is achieved by using lighting. A mixture of peat, pieces of moss and charcoal is suitable as a substrate. After watering, moisture should linger in the substrate for some time.

On a note! When watering, try not to fall on young bulbs, they are prone to decay..

Transplantation is carried out in the spring when the pot is completely filled with roots. Plants are urgently transplanted only in extreme cases, for example, when the substrate is damaged. Propagated by dividing the old tuber.

The plant is originally from South Asia, currently has many hybrids. There are varieties with white, rich purple and lilac flowers. There are miniature varieties that grow no more than 30 cm in height. Standard specimens can grow up to 1 meter.

The size of the flowers varies greatly depending on the variety and can range in size from 2 to 15 cm. If the plants are provided suitable conditions, flowering occurs three times a year and lasts for several weeks.

This species needs a 12-hour daylight hours with shading from direct sunlight. High humidity is also required, this is achieved by spraying and using a humidifier. In summer, the flower is watered twice a week, in winter - once every two weeks. These are approximate indicators that directly depend on the air temperature in the room.

Water should be soft, room temperature or slightly warmer. Likes leaf fertilizer. Planted in a mixture of pine bark and moss with the addition of charcoal in a transparent pot.

Attention! Only special liquid fertilizers for orchids are suitable for this species. Top dressing in the form of granules and sticks can burn the roots of the plant.

Not a very large species with dimensions of 30-45 cm. In nature, it grows on rocks and tree bark. This species is classified as a group dendrobium due to a large number bulbs. At the same time, it can produce up to 100 peduncles with a large number of yellow flowers. Flowering is accompanied by the appearance of a pleasant smell.

May bloom from February to September. Loves the difference between day and night temperatures. In the warm season, watering is frequent and plentiful, in winter - rare. Prefers a loose, breathable substrate based on pine bark. The concentration of fertilizers for this species should be weak. Repotting every two years.

In culture, it grows miniature, up to a maximum of 20 cm. In our country, it is still a rare and therefore expensive species. Most often, the flowers are white-lilac in color and smell very pleasant. At good care may bloom all year round. Each bulb has 1-2 inflorescences.

This species calmly tolerates even direct sunlight. He is even recommended a few hours a day of bright open sun. The species is not picky about air humidity. A special substrate for orchids with high air and moisture permeability is suitable as a primer. The flower is watered by soaking 2-3 times a week.

The flower is native to Australia. The stems grow up to 30-55 cm. Each peduncle can have up to 7 flowers with a diameter of 3 cm. Flowering lasts a month, spreading the aroma of vanilla around the room. Most often, King's Dendrobium blooms in spring. The species needs a long dormant period, during which the plant requires minimal care. This phase usually occurs in winter.

When growing, it is desirable to ensure the difference between day and night temperatures and the flow of fresh air. The soil should dry out between waterings. Painlessly tolerates transplantation and division of the bush, the dendrobium is transplanted after flowering.

Very fragrant variety with elongated stems. The leaves are located at the very top. Flowering occurs in spring and early autumn. The flowers are small, but very fragrant. Against the background of snow-white petals, a yellow lip and a red center stand out in contrast. Rest period twice a year - in winter and early summer. It is preferable to grow this species on blocks. The orchid is very fond of the sun's rays and Fresh air.

Asian variety with delicate pink flowers. The size of the inflorescences is 5-6 cm. Flowering occurs only 10-14 days, which is a little compared to other species. Flowering time is spring and early summer. Prefers a large difference in daily temperatures, up to 10 degrees. He loves the bright sun, the leaves do not get burnt, but reddish spots appear on them.

In the substrate, the main share should be moss, with small additions of bark and peat. If kept on blocks, daily watering is required in the morning, the water should be warm. Does not need frequent transplants. Young shoots are separated when they reach 5 cm.

An orchid with many leaves and an unusual color of flowers. Around the yellow-white lip are purple stripes, and the petals themselves are pale lilac. In nature, the variety lives in Southeast Asia. From the bright sun, the leaves get burned, shading is required. Flowering occurs at the end of winter - the beginning of spring. The plant is watered abundantly, twice a week. In winter, it is desirable to organize additional lighting. Otherwise, the requirements are standard for dendrobiums.

It stands out among other dendrobiums for its size. Its specimens often grow up to 1.5 meters, sometimes even higher. The elongated leaves grow in two rows. On one peduncle there can be up to 15 medium-sized flowers. It can bloom throughout the year, in the spring there is a peak of flowering. The flowers stay on the plant for a week and a half, but flowering can be called plentiful.

He loves the difference between day and night temperatures, in summer the maximum daytime temperature is about 30 degrees, in winter it is preferable to maintain it at 20 degrees. It suits medium light. During the growth period, watering should be plentiful. In winter, they arrange a little drying between waterings. You can grow both on the block and in the substrate. Transplanted when the roots become crowded in a pot.

The species is characterized by the presence of rare pointed leaves. At home, we rarely meet. Blooms in the spring months, flowering lasts about 3 weeks. This orchid can be classified as a miniature species - it grows up to 25 cm, but at the same time has relatively large 6 cm flowers. During the period of active growth, it needs abundant watering and a lot of light. In the cold season, the substrate is watered less and dried. In general, care requirements are standard for orchids.

How to care for dendrobium at home

An orchid will have a healthy appearance and full flowering only with proper care. The plant is easily ruined by improper watering or insufficient air humidity. It must be remembered that epiphytic plants must have a special content. We will talk about general rules content of dendrobiums.

The most common types of dendrobium require winter time dormant period. Therefore, the temperature of the content in winter and summer will be different. In the summer months, the dendrobium contains at a temperature of 22-28 degrees, in winter the values ​​\u200b\u200bshould be 17-20 degrees with a significant reduction in watering.

On a note! During the dormant period, watering can be replaced by spraying the substrate. Like other orchids, dendrobium requires high humidity. New hybrid varieties less sensitive to it.

To increase humidity, traditional methods are used:

• the use of a humidifier;
• spraying the leaves of the plant;
• pallets with moistened pebbles or expanded clay, placed on the windowsill.

You need to spray the leaves in the morning and evening hours, when direct sunlight does not fall on the plant. Refracted in water droplets, the sun's rays can cause burns.

In our climatic zone, the dendrobium can suffer from an excess of sunlight in summer, and from a lack of light in winter. If the illumination for the dendrobium is insufficient, its shoots are bent, a small number of flower buds are laid. For most species, shading is organized in the summer months, and backlighting is turned on in winter so that daylight hours last at least 12 hours.

For illumination, a fluorescent lamp or a special fitolamp is suitable. In spring and summer, it is better to rearrange the pots with plants to the western or eastern windows, and in the winter to transfer them to the southern windowsill.

During the active growing season, the dendrobium needs abundant watering, on average 2 times a week. Let the potted soil dry out completely between waterings. The drying time depends on the size of the pot and the temperature in the room. Excess moisture from the pan after watering must be removed; the root system of dendrobiums does not tolerate waterlogging. You need to use soft, slightly warm water. During the dormant period, watering should be minimal.

It is best to water the dendrobium by soaking while spilling the soil from above from a watering can. To do this, the pot is placed in a vessel with water for 20-30 minutes, the larger the pot, the longer the soaking time should be. After that, the excess water is drained and the plant is returned to the windowsill. If the room is cool, you need to wet the axils of the leaves with a napkin, otherwise they may rot.

Those who have high-quality water flowing from the tap can water the dendrobium from the shower head for several minutes. This method is good in that it allows you to remove salts, harmful impurities and excess fertilizers from the substrate. But, if the water is chlorinated or it is too hard, it is better not to use it.

How to water a Dendrobium orchid: video

It is better to grow dendrobiums using plastic pots, they can be either transparent or opaque. In a transparent pot, it is possible to track the state of the root system, so they are preferable for beginners. Glass or ceramic vessels can lead to hypothermia of the roots, which is undesirable for a tropical orchid.

In addition, the method of landing in plastic or wooden baskets or on the block. There should be many drainage holes in the pot, if there is only one, make additional holes with a soldering iron or drill. Do not use spherical pot-bellied pots. The roots of the dendrobium are very fragile; it will be impossible to remove them during transplantation without damage from such a pot.

On a note! It is impossible to plant a dendrobium in a pot without a drainage hole. Its roots need free access to air and cannot stand stagnant water.

Pine bark alone can be used as a substrate for dendrobiums. The rule here is - the larger the plant and its roots, the larger the pieces of bark should be. Some add sphagnum to it to increase the moisture capacity of the soil, but in this case it must be borne in mind that watering will be required less frequently.

Add pieces of charcoal to such a substrate to prevent possible decay. Activated charcoal is not suitable for these purposes, as it crumbles when wet. If for planting dendrobiums you have to use purchased soil for orchids, be careful with watering, as peat and moss particles are added to this substrate for moisture capacity.

Due to the fact that the roots of the dendrobium are highly sensitive, the fertilizer for it is diluted by half, even if it is a specialized top dressing for orchids. Those dendrobiums that do not have a pronounced dormant period are fed monthly with a complex fertilizer containing potassium and phosphorus. Those varieties that you send for wintering need to be fertilized two to three times a month with nitrogen fertilizer. During the rest period they are not fertilized.

Succinic acid for orchids plays the role of a biostimulant. The substance is of organic origin, absolutely non-toxic. "Yantarka" increases resistance to stress, adverse conditions, helps in recovery after a transplant or illness. A solution of succinic acid can be bought at flower shop, where it is sold in the form of a spray, or prepare it yourself by dissolving one tablet of succinic acid in 1 liter of water. The prepared solution retains useful properties for 3 days.

Succinic acid is used to treat all parts of the plant:

• seeds can be soaked in it,
• shed at the root
• spray the leaves.

On a note! Succinic acid is not a substitute for fertilizers, but is considered only an addition to them.

1. When transplanting to the bottom of the pot, it is recommended to lay a few heavy roots for counterweight.
2. They lay the bark of a large fraction.
3. Then the dendrobium is placed in a pot in such a way that there is room for new shoots, that is, pressing the bulb to the edge, the root neck is not deepened.
4. The gaps between the roots begin to gently fall asleep with smaller pieces of bark and shake the pot at the same time so that the soil is compacted.

After planting, the dendrobium is not watered for 4 to 10 days, depending on the size of the root system. This pause in watering is necessary so that the wounds on the roots can heal.

Dendrobium transplant: video

How to prune an orchid

Not everyone knows what to do with the dendrobium flower arrow after flowering. Should I cut it or not? The pseudobulb should be removed if you see it drying out. To do this, use a sharp disinfected knife. If there are green buds on the bulb, leave it on the plant, it may still bloom.

It is necessary to remove the pseudobulb when it becomes completely lifeless, transferring all the accumulated nutrients to the plant. After that, you need to put the pot with the orchid in a cool place and wait for the emergence of new shoots.

Bloom

What needs to be provided to a beautiful dendrobium for its flowering?

A necessary condition for the flowering of the dendrobium is the correct wintering. The plant is kept in a cool, bright room at a temperature of 12-15 degrees throughout the winter months. In late winter or early spring, the dendrobium blooms. If flowering is delayed, the plant needs to be fed. Then buds will definitely appear on it, and then luxurious fragrant flowers.

If the orchid brought from the store has faded, but the soil is still in good condition, there is no need to disturb the plant with a transplant. If the orchid living in your house has faded, then after flowering, as a rule, the growth of fresh shoots begins. So that the plant is not cramped in the old pot, with the beginning of growth it is transplanted into a new container. Wait until the new bulbs grow 10 cm in height. As we wrote above, if only the top of the pseudobulb bloomed, then the flower arrow is not completely cut off, perhaps sleeping buds will wake up on it.

In terms of flowering, dendrobiums are considered capricious plants. Such a reputation is due to the fact that they need a number of conditions for flowering. Depending on the species, the dendrobium is divided into 6 temperature groups, each of which requires its own growing temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify in specialized literature or on the Internet what content your dendrobium requires and stick to it. Influence flowering and other parameters. Perhaps the orchid does not bloom due to improper watering or insufficient light. Create her the necessary conditions and the buds will definitely appear.

Dendrobiums breed

• children
• cuttings
• dividing the bush

babes

Babies appear at the top of the pseudobulb. You can separate them when they have their own roots. With a root size of 5 cm, a small plant is cut with a knife or unscrewed with movements around the axis. After that, the baby should be air-dried for several days or the cut should be smeared with garden pitch, and then it is planted in a separate pot with a very fine bark.

cuttings

For propagation by cuttings, pseudobulbs are separated from the mother bush and cut into pieces 10 cm long. Slices are covered with garden pitch. After that, the prepared cuttings are placed in a bag with moss and moistened. Root growth should take place in a warm room with diffused light. The bag must be opened daily for ventilation. The process of root formation takes 2 months, after which the seedlings can be planted in separate bowls.

The division of the bush

The division of the bush is possible in the presence of an adult strong plant, which has at least 6 pseudobulbs. Usually this procedure is combined with a transplant. The mother tuber is divided into several parts so that at least 2 pseudobulbs or one young sprout and one pseudobulb remain on each of them. Each division must have its own roots. All tools are processed before cutting, the sections are sealed with garden pitch.

Dendrobium diseases can be of viral origin, light rings or oval spots may appear on the leaves of the flower, the color and shape of the flowers change, they become ugly. Some viruses can even prevent buds from opening. It is impossible to cure such plants, they can only be thrown away.

Bacterial diseases can appear on the dendrobium in the form of spotting and rot, often they are accompanied by fungal infections. sick plant isolate, cut out all the affected areas and lubricate the wounds with brilliant green or any disinfectant solution. This should be done at the first sign of illness. The plant is kept in quarantine. If there are no new spots, they are returned to their place. Bacterial rot is more dangerous because of its rapid development, it must be dealt with without delay.

fungal diseases constitute the most large group, in part they are provoked by unsuitable conditions of detention, under which spores of the fungus begin to actively develop. These diseases are manifested by the appearance of dark and brown spots, a gun. Treated with fungicides according to the instructions.

Sometimes a painful condition can be triggered by improper care.

The causes of yellowing leaves can be natural. So the dendrobium prepares for the next life cycle after flowering. Following this, the plant begins to grow new shoots and rhizomes. Of the other factors, improper watering, lack of nutrients can affect. If the leaf is not completely yellow, but there are yellow spots on it, this can be caused with sunburn.

The most common pests on dendrobiums: thrips, aphids, spider mites. Their appearance can be triggered by increased dryness of the air. For prevention, treat dendrobium leaves twice a month with soapy water. You can remove pests mechanically by collecting them from the leaves with a damp cotton pad. If the insects nevertheless multiplied, treat with actellik.

1. If you have a powerful tall plant that is grown in an unstable pot, place it in a planter with a few heavy pebbles on the bottom. You can also grow a dendrobium in a hanging basket, then it will definitely not fall.
2. As a block, you can use a fragment of a tree fern, carefully attaching orchid roots to it with a fishing line. Do not forget to make a moss-based substrate.
3. Instead of moss, vermiculite or agroperlite can be added to the substrate for moisture capacity.

Dendrobiums are so different plants that you are sure to find a variety to your liking. You can choose a suitable copy not only in a flower shop, but also order it on the Internet, and discuss all emerging growing problems on various flower grower forums.

Every year, beautiful orchids delight flower growers with new species. Dendrobium orchids are gaining popularity - an interesting exotic genus. Dendrobiums are distinguished by their special beauty and splendor of flowering. To save representatives of unusual orchids, you need to choose the method of their reproduction - by children or cuttings, transplant them correctly and follow the recommendations for care immediately after planting.

In dendrobiums, the stems have a thickening due to the accumulation of nutrients and moisture during the period of active growth. Such stems are called bulbs, or pseudobulbs. Every year, the orchid forms several new shoots. Between the leaves, on the bulbs, there are buds. Each bud develops either into an inflorescence or into a new plant, depending on the conditions of detention.

Reproduction of the dendrobium orchid

There are several ways to propagate the dendrobium orchid: by children and cuttings. Each breeding method has its own characteristics, but they are united by the final stage - planting dendrobum babies.

Reproduction of the dendrobium orchid by children

Reproduction by children or side shoots is the simplest. Children appear only with certain care for the plant.
In winter, during the dormant period, the orchid must be moved to a cool place, watering should be reduced to a minimum, and no feeding or transplanting should be carried out. Such stressful conditions are necessary for flowering. After the first flower buds appear and grow a little, the dendrobium is moved to its usual place, gradually resuming watering and feeding. Then flowering will begin and will last from 2 to 8 weeks. The buds that did not give flowers will please the children.

Before the orchid children are separated from the mother plant, they wait for them to grow good roots. At this moment, top dressing is necessary with a weak solution of complex mineral fertilizer with the advantage of the nitrogen component.

Reproduction of the dendrobium orchid by cuttings

Reproduction of Dendrobium bulbs is suitable for those who do not like the look of last year's leafless stems. By the way, the old bulbs, although unsightly, perform the function of a supply of moisture and nutrients.

Prepare necessary material: crushed charcoal, plastic container, sphagnum moss. First, make sure the bulb has buds that haven't produced flowers or babies.

Then cut the selected stem with a pruner, peel it from the leaves and cut it into several parts with a sharp knife. Sprinkle all cuts with crushed coal and dry for an hour.

Prepare a greenhouse: place moistened moss in a container. For effectiveness, it can be moistened with a solution of plant growth stimulator.

Then we lay the cuttings and close the container. In the future, it will be necessary to ventilate the greenhouse and maintain the humidity of the moss.

The most suitable place for its location is the east or north window. With this method of reproduction, do not expect a quick result. The photo below shows dendrobium cuttings in a greenhouse after 1.5 months.

Planting dendrobium babies

Further, with any of the selected breeding methods, it is necessary to plant the children correctly. Once they have grown enough, carefully separate them from the mother plant. If wounds remain, treat with crushed charcoal and dry. For effectiveness, you can use a plant growth stimulator by spraying or soaking orchids in it according to the instructions.

Pick up small and opaque containers with good drainage holes in which to land.

Soil for planting dendrobium babies

As a substrate, you can take ready-made soil for orchids or make it yourself. The soil should be air-intensive enough to prevent root rot and water stagnation. Possible components for the soil: pine bark, fine expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, charcoal, foam balls and a little peat.

Lay a thin layer of sphagnum moss on the bottom of the pot and, holding the dendrobium in a horizontal position, fill in the substrate, trying not to deepen the root collar.

Dendrobium care after planting babies

Place pots with plants in a narrower container - this will be a pallet. In hot weather, water the orchid from above to the substrate. And in wet weather, just add water to the lower pot, but do not allow the root layer to dry out completely. Protect young plants from sun or drafts.

A good sign if the orchid releases a new leaf, or you see young roots. This means that the plant has taken root and started growing.

After that, you can carefully start feeding them with mineral fertilizers once every 2 weeks. To begin with, it is better to simply spray the substrate and leaves with a nutrient solution, and then feed directly by watering. After a year, transship the dendrobium into a new spacious container, not forgetting to install a support for the plant.

Follow these simple care and propagation techniques, then dendrobium orchids will delight you with their growth and their unique palette at the time of flowering.

Victoria Ukhareva, amateur florist, landscape designer

More about how transplant and properly care for dendrobium orchids read the articles.

Orchids are popular indoor plants, because they differ in unusual appearance and beautiful blooms. But since the orchid is a resident of the tropics, at home she will need special care.

In this article, we will consider one of the most popular types of this culture - the Dendrobium orchid, its main varieties and flower care rules.

Orchid Dendrobium - a representative of the genus of epiphytes. It is a plant 40-90 cm high. Its stem consists of cylindrical pseudobulbs. Leaves are alternately arranged on it, from the axils of which flower stalks grow, giving several fragrant flowers of various colors (Figure 1).

Figure 1. External features of Dendrobium orchids

This culture is easy to care for, therefore, in popularity among all types of indoor orchids, it is second only to phalaenopsis.

Orchid species Dendrobium

Among the many types of Dendrobium, the most popular are such species as (Figure 2):

• King;
• Parish;
• noble dendrobium;
• Dendrobium moniliforme.

Let us consider in more detail the features of each of these types.

Kinga

Representatives of the species have rigid cylindrical stems, reaching a length of up to 30 cm. Their surface is covered with membranous leaf bases. Small flowers, from white to bright purple, are collected in a brush at the top of the stem.

parisha

A distinctive feature of this species are fleshy stems 30 to 40 cm long with thickenings at the nodes. Their surface is shrouded in whitish leaf bases, which have a sharp oblong shape with an incised top.

Figure 2. The main flower varieties: 1 - Kinga, 2 - Parisha, 3 - noble, 4 - moniliforme

Leafless peduncles bear lilac or pink flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter, slightly darkening towards the ends of the petals.

Noble

Dendrobium noble (Nobile) is the most favorite species of flower growers. He is quite large plant. On its straight fleshy stems are oblong leather leaves.

Peduncles are formed on last year's leafless shoots. They carry 2-3 flowers, whitish-cream at the base and lilac (pink) at the edges. The base of the flower has a dark purple spot.

Moniliforme

This species is one of the oldest in culture. It is a miniature likeness of a noble variety. This plant presents minimum requirements to the conditions of detention.

Note: It does not suffer from exposure to direct sunlight and does not need differences in night and day temperatures for full flowering.

Its root system does not rot in case of incomplete drying of the substrate. That is why the moniliforme variety is so popular among indoor flower lovers. Its flowering period lasts from the end of winter to the beginning of autumn. At the same time, for each pseudobulb of the plant, there are 1-2 inflorescences that emit a light aroma.

Home care

Care is not difficult. Its main points are the sufficient duration of daylight hours, elevated level humidity, differences between night and day temperatures environment and a mandatory dormant period from early November to late December (Figure 3).

Choosing a place for a flower

Culture is very fond of the bright sun. Therefore, when choosing a place for this flower in a room, give preference to east, southeast and southwest windows. But windows oriented to the south should be well shaded, since temperatures above +27 degrees have a detrimental effect on the plant. As an option, on the southern windows you can keep the Dendrobium in the autumn-winter period. When kept on the northern windows, it will be necessary to organize additional lighting with the help of special lamps in autumn and winter.

As for the temperature regime, the flower feels comfortable at moderate temperatures: during the day + 20 + 26, at night - + 15 + 20 degrees. Such a natural temperature difference stimulates active development, promotes the laying of flower buds and guarantees abundant flowering.

Figure 3. The main stages of plant care

In the autumn-winter period, growth stops, so the temperature drops to + 12 + 17 degrees in daytime and up to +10+13 - at night. In parallel, it is necessary to provide the plant with intense light and reduce watering to achieve full flowering.

Watering, spraying

Since the plant comes from tropical rainforests, it is necessary to create conditions close to natural for it. Therefore, in a room with dry air, it is necessary to increase the humidity by spraying the flower with soft water at intervals of one day. High ambient temperature and insufficient humidity lead to curvature and deformation of the leaves.

The frequency of watering depends on the season. So, in spring and summer, watering is carried out 1 time in 3-4 days, in autumn - 1 time per week, and in winter - only 1 time per month. In this case, you should know that before each next watering, the roots of the plant and the substrate must be absolutely dry. Watering is best done by placing the plant pot in a larger container filled with warm water, for 10-15 minutes. Try not to let water get on young bulbs so as not to cause them to rot. Before placing the culture in its permanent place, excess moisture must drain through drainage holes in a pot.

Flower dressing

Top dressing is carried out during the period of active growth, that is, from April to September. Fertilizers are applied once every 2-4 weeks during irrigation using purchased complex mineral fertilizers intended for orchids.

Dendrobium orchid transplant

Like other types of orchids, Dendrobiums are transplanted once every 2-3 years if necessary. Such a need arises when the roots of the plant grow too large and do not fit in a pot, as well as when the substrate is caking or oxidized. Transplantation is carried out in the spring, when the flowering period is over, and the flower itself is actively growing (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Orchid transplant methods

An opaque pot is chosen as a planting container, on the bottom of which a drainage layer of large pieces of bark is laid. The substrate is a special mixture of pine bark, foam balls and sphagnum moss. The transplanted plant can be watered after 7-10 days.

Pot selection

You can grow the plant both in plastic opaque pots and on a block of cork bark or peeled coconut. In any case, the container should be a little cramped so that the plant is securely and firmly held in it.

Fertilizer

During the period of active growth, that is, from April to September, fertilizer should be carried out by applying liquid complex top dressing twice a month. In this case, you should know that the concentration of the irrigation agent should be two times weaker than the concentration indicated in the instructions.

In addition, representatives of warm varieties of content should be fed monthly with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and orchids of cold varieties with nitrogen (2-3 times a month).

You will find more information about the care of the Dendrobium in the video.

Blooming dendrobium orchids

As a rule, flowering of this species occurs from mid-winter to mid-spring, after which a dormant period begins. This stage is very important for the plant, as it ensures future flowering. Fragrant inflorescences have a variety of colors and bloom from 2 to 4 weeks. An insufficient dormant period leads to the fact that instead of flowers, the orchid will release young shoots - babies.

Care during flowering

To stimulate flowering, which did not occur in mid-January, it is recommended to reduce watering, and take the plant itself to the brightest place or apply artificial illumination. You can also apply a fertilizer containing phosphorus, or spray the plant several times with warm water (+30+35 degrees).

Care after flowering

After the end of flowering, it is necessary to provide the orchid with a full rest period. To do this, remove the peduncle, and transfer the plant to a cool place, where it is gradually reduced, and then stop watering. It is important to know that in winter conditions at our latitudes, Dendrobium can simply hibernate, and not be in a dormant period.

Therefore, in winter, although the flower has already faded, do not forget to illuminate it, because the dormant period does not mean that the plant does not develop: in this time runs active growth of its roots and preparation for the growing season.

Dendrobium can be propagated both by dividing the bush and by cuttings. At home, the second method is most often used (Figure 5).

cuttings

This method of reproduction involves separating pseudobulbs from the mother bush and cutting cuttings 10 cm long from them. planting material stored in tightly sealed plastic bags filled with sphagnum moss, in bright diffused light and ambient temperature + 22 + 25 degrees.

Figure 5. Flower propagation methods: cuttings and dividing the bush

At the same time, the bags must be aired every day, and the moss must be kept moist. After the cuttings take root, they are transplanted into a flower pot. With this method of reproduction, orchid flowering occurs after 2-3 years.

By dividing the bush

An adult bush of Dendrobium forms offshoots-babies on its stem. When they reach a length of 4-5 cm, and their roots - 3-4 cm, you can start breeding orchids. To do this, it is necessary to cut off the children with a section of the mother stem and plant them in a prepared nutrient mixture, which can be purchased at a flower shop, or made independently by finely crumbling the bark.

Since the roots of children are very delicate and can be easily injured when planting, it is recommended that you first hold them for 10 minutes in warm water. For the same purpose, it is also advised to soak the nutrient substrate in water for a day. Children are planted several times in small pots.

The author of the video shows how to properly propagate an orchid.