Just like any other potted plant, it is of utmost importance that you consider the natural environments in which Dendrobium Orchids flourish. While they tend to require more care than other house plants, they are known to be more forgiving than many other Orchid varieties and they are also more resistant to disease. In order to grow your potted Dendrobium Orchid indoors, you should follow these instructions carefully:
Examine their natural habitat
First of all, you need to properly analyze their natural environment. You will notice that they flourish when growing on dead branches that receive sufficient sunlight. They enjoy highly humid areas with plenty of air circulation as well. Although they grow in tree branches for the most part, these Orchids are known to do very well in soil if their conditions are properly met. Remember that Orchids will still grow in shady conditions but they will not flower. If they receive too much hot sun, their blooms won’t develop properly before dropping off the plant. A combination of light and shade is therefore ideal.
Preparing their home
When brining your new Dendrobium Orchid home, you will need to make sure that they have everything they need. Make sure that your plant is placed in a bed of dead wood chips and in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and good air circulation. Your pot should have plenty of drainage holes to allow the water an escape route. You must remember that trees do not retain water so your wood chips should not either. These holes also allow for perfect air flow around the roots.
Creating a humid environment
Misting your Orchid is a great way of achieving higher levels of humidity in its immediate vicinity. Use a spray bottle when misting your plant and avoid using chlorinated (softened) water. Allow your Dendrobium Orchid to dry between misting sessions. Orchid cages and terrariums are really great for maintaining the humidity around your Orchid.
Adjust your container’s position
As the year progresses, the sun shifts its position in the sky. You will need to shift your Orchid’s container accordingly. It is also important to note that Orchids like natural sunlight and not the artificial kind that comes from lamps.
Place outdoors in the summer
If possible, try to place your Orchid outside during the warmer summer months. If you have a suitable tree in your garden, you can suspend the Orchid in a basket and allow it to hang from a suitable, stable branch. Move the plant indoors when the weather starts to get too cool. Remember, every time you move your Orchid from inside to outside, you should do so gradually. Do not place it in harsh sunlight from day one. Allow the plant to adjust to its new surroundings or it may burn. It’s kind of how people feel after winter ends and those first warm rays of sun hit our pale skin.
Feed your Orchid
For best results, you should ensure that your Orchid gets all the nutrition it needs. Orchid fertilizer is a specialised product and is administered in a spray mister every three months. Do not overdo it or you could cause the roots to burn. As for watering, remember that Orchids enjoy high rainfall areas so feel free to give yours a good drench every two to three days. The draining holes will allow the excess water to pour out so make sure that your catchment container is large enough to hold up its end of the bargain.
Let it be
One of the easiest way to kill any Orchid is by fussing with it too much. Excessive handling or adjusting how it is planted will only cause damage. If you have ordered a potted Orchid from your florist or nursery and all the requirements are already fulfilled, then there is no reason to re-pot or disturb the plant.
