Home care for a dendrobium nobile orchid. Dendrobium orchids How to care for Dendrobium flowers

At home Orchid Dendrobium nobile reproduces exclusively vegetatively. This means that you can get new plants only by using parts of the mother bush. You can divide your existing plant, separate the cutting, or plant the children that form on an adult orchid.

The difference in breeding methods in different species

Advice! Before you start propagating your orchid, be sure to specify the type of plant and how it suits it. Otherwise, you can not only be left without new flowers, but also destroy the available adult.

Dendrobium reproduces in the following ways:

Plant preparation

Before proceeding with reproduction, you need to make sure that the plant is healthy, the leaves do not turn yellow and do not fall off. If we are talking about reproduction by dividing the bush, then the orchid must be carefully removed from the container in which it grows, shake off the soil from the roots.

When propagated by children or cuttings, the adult flower must be left in place, only the necessary parts of the plant are separated.

How to choose the right time?

The most optimal time for reproduction of Dendrobiums is the beginning of spring. At this time, the plant comes to life, begins to intensively consume nutrients from the soil. Therefore, wounds received when cutting cuttings or dividing will heal in two to three days.

Children also take root better in a new place in the spring. They feed intensively, gain green mass, therefore, grow.

How to propagate a flower?

If you decide to propagate your flower by dividing, then you must perform the following manipulations:

How to propagate by cuttings? Let's analyze the sequence of the process:

You can find out more about propagating orchids with cuttings.

When new shoots appear, you can start transplanting into the ground. It is necessary that while in the bark, the humidity was not lower than 70%. Lighting is preferably diffused. Lighting duration is about 14 hours a day.

You can find out more about the reproduction of orchids by children.

A photo

Look at the photo for various ways to breed a flower.

The division of the bush:

Difficulties after transplant

It is important to remember that orchid is very sensitive to transplantation and propagation. Therefore, you need to transplant a plant only if it is already old enough and completely healthy.

When dividing, the delicate flower is subjected to great stress. Therefore, you need to monitor his condition. It is recommended to use specialized soil and top dressing. You also need to observe the temperature and light conditions.

IMPORTANT. It is not necessary to expect that a new plant will develop very quickly and bloom in two to three months. Orchids that were obtained during the course at home will begin to bloom in at least two or even three years.

Care

After the "new" specimens of the orchid have taken their permanent place, it is necessary to provide them with suitable conditions.

• First of all, you need to remember that flowers love diffused light. Therefore, they must be protected from direct sunlight. Excessive dimming will not do any good either.
• They are very sensitive to cold. The temperature should not fall below twenty degrees.
• Watering the Dendrobium must be done through a pallet. It is recommended to place the pot in wet sand and make sure that it does not dry out.
• The orchid requires a lot of moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically spray the flower.

At first glance, caring for a fastidious beauty is very complicated and has many nuances. In fact, you need to remember the basic rules for caring for this exotic plant, and it will delight its owner with long and abundant flowering.

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You never cease to be surprised that in your homeland - somewhere on the islands of Indonesia, orchids grow like simple weeds. In Russia, they seem to be the standard of sophistication and require personal care, like capricious ladies. Somewhat stands out among other orchids is a flower called Dendrobium Nobile. Firstly, this plant is less whimsical than other orchids. Secondly, his flowers do not crown a long dry stem, but grow along it, which is very beautiful.

An orchid is not cheap, and it would be a pity to destroy a beautiful and expensive flower with improper care. So, we are learning to deal with the orchid according to all the rules.

Substrate: special soil for planting

Before you start transplanting Dendrobium Nobile into another pot, you need to purchase a “light” soil mixture, that is, one that conducts air and water well. Perfectly suited as the basis of such a mixture, pine bark. You can add pieces of moss to it, and if available, coconut fiber. Remember that the orchid does not tolerate acidic soils. To prevent such a disaster, include some coal in the mixture.

For a plant such as an orchid, the composition of the soil is associated with light. If you place your Dendrobium nobile on the windowsill of a south window, then the soil (and, therefore, the roots of the orchid) will need to be protected from drying out. Therefore, more moss is put in the soil mixture.

If the orchid has to move to the north window, you will have to take preventive measures so that moisture does not stagnate in the soil. You can crumble up some foam and mix it into the potting mix.

Lighting and temperature conditions

Lighting is an important factor in itself, even outside of its effect on the soil. If the window where the orchid stands faces south, or southwest, or southeast, then on sunny days the orchid will need to be protected from direct rays. This can be done using matte paper, which you cover the window with, thin muslin, gauze.

The plant will also need fresh air, so the house will have to be ventilated. But at the same time, the flower pot should not be in a draft.

Special attention to the Dendrobium nobile should be shown when the plant is preparing to bloom. At this time, if you are going to rearrange the pot, you need to make sure that the angle of illumination does not change. Otherwise, a capricious orchid can simply drop its buds.

The orchid should be lit for at least 10 hours a day. In winter, when the days are short and cloudy, you can turn on a fluorescent lamp for your flower with the onset of evening.

It is desirable to maintain the temperature in the room at least 20 C in summer and 16 C in winter.

But the orchid simply loves moist air. In the cold season, when the air in the rooms becomes dry due to central heating batteries, you can keep a spray bottle ready and from time to time arrange a shower for the flower. A wet terry towel hung on the battery will also help to avoid dryness.

Watering and fertilizing Dendrobium nobile

Watering is what the plant needs regularly, throughout the year, so let's start with it. Recommendations depend on the air temperature in the apartment. The hotter and drier it is, the more often the flower will need to be watered. For this, it is preferable not to use the water that you just got from the tap. At a minimum, the water must be allowed to settle. It is even more preferable to pass it through a filter or boil it. In winter, if you live in an ecologically clean area, you can use water obtained after the snow melts and warmed to room temperature.

Unusual advice from experienced gardeners: Orchids love to take a pretty hot shower from time to time. The water temperature can reach 45 C. With such care, orchids will bloom especially generously. Just remember to blot the leaves with a clean cloth so that moisture does not stagnate in them.

In winter, during the dormant period, watering is reduced, and the soil is slightly loosened, all this is done so that the roots do not start to rot.

Now about fertilizers. Since your flower lives in a rather cramped pot, and the soil remains the same day after day, the plant needs to be fed. Now in specialized stores a lot of fertilizers are sold, designed specifically for orchids.

Feeding the Dendrobium nobile begins in the spring, when the orchid is just about to bloom. Fertilizers can be applied according to the system: after two waterings, on the third.

In preparation for flowering, it is best to use those fertilizers that contain not nitrogen, but phosphorus.

Reproduction and transplantation of orchids at home

You can propagate your orchid in several ways:

• separating the "kids" from the plant;
• dividing the bush itself into several parts;
• preparing cuttings for planting.

"Babies" are separated from the "mother" when their roots reach a few centimeters. As a rule, they take root safely in a new place, and after 2 years they begin to bloom.

If the orchid is already “adult” and has grown considerably, then once every 4 years or even less often, it can be divided into parts. In this case, all the "received" plants will soon bloom.

Cuttings from Dendrobium nobile are obtained from those peduncles that have already stopped flowering. The length of the cuttings should be approximately 9-10 cm. They are planted, having previously sprinkled the cut places with crushed chalk, in pots filled with wet moss. Actually, they don’t even plant them in the usual sense, but lay them on moss, and cover the pots with foil on top.

Warm and humid. If such an atmosphere is maintained under the film, then in 3 weeks the cuttings will take root. And after a couple of months, young orchids can be transplanted into the soil that is most suitable for adult Dendrobium nobile.

It is best to use special pots designed for orchids for breeding capricious beauties. Flower shops always have a selection of them.

When transplanting an orchid, try not to damage the roots. If any spine is still broken, then, in order to avoid rotting, sprinkle the damaged place with coal or chalk.

At the bottom of the pot, under the soil, there should be a small layer of drainage. When planting, they try not to deepen the orchid unnecessarily so that the pseudobulbs do not hide underground. If the flower is tall enough, provide a support for it in advance.

The transplanted plant is not kept in bright light for some time.

Possible Content Issues

Most of all, orchid owners are concerned about the situation when the plant refuses to bloom.

There can be many reasons for this:

• excessive amount of nitrogen fertilizers applied;
• shaded area;
• excessive moisture, due to which the roots begin to rot;
• low air temperature.

The “sissy” orchid will not want to bloom even if it is in the room of a heavy smoker.

Diseases and pests characteristic of Dendrobium nobile

It would seem, what pests can indoor flowers have? But orchids have both pests and diseases characteristic of these plants.

Leaf spotting. Dry spots appear on the leaves, dark in color. In this case, diseased leaves must be removed. Bordeaux liquid can be used for spraying.

Root rot. A common and very dangerous disease. Sometimes you can notice what's the matter only during a plant transplant. A characteristic sign is that an unpleasant smell begins to come from the pot. The orchid needs a transplant, during which the damaged parts of the roots will be carefully cut out, and the sections sprinkled with chalk or charcoal. Also, for disinfection, you can use an unsaturated solution of potassium permanganate.

Powdery mildew. A white coating appears on the leaves and even on the buds. First, it is recommended to spray the affected areas with soapy water, then Fitosporin can be used.

Aphid. What these insects look like - all gardeners and gardeners know. Aphids can be washed off with water. And then use onion or garlic tinctures to preserve the orchid.

Spider mite. Orchids are covered with silver threads. In this case, rubbing the leaves with an alcohol tincture will help. Do not forget only that in a quarter of an hour the orchid will have to "take a shower."

Features of care after flowering

In hot climates, plants may bloom several times a year. With proper care, this can be achieved from an orchid.

In the spring, up to 2 dozen flowers can appear on the Dendrobium Nobile. When the long flowering period ends, the orchid enters the growth phase, “babies” begin to develop.

At this time, it is desirable to fertilize, and phosphorus is replaced by nitrogen.

Winter can be called the "rest period" for the orchid. Even if you use fluorescent lights, the flower will "feel" that the light intensity has decreased compared to summer. The air temperature in the room at this time can be reduced to 16-17 C, watering should be very moderate.

The “resting phase” is an important time for a flower. On how much the necessary conditions will be provided to the orchid, its spring flowering depends.

In fact, growing Dendrobium nobile on your windowsill is not difficult. You just need to master the necessary skills to care for the plant. For this, it will thank you with abundant and long flowering.

If you have long dreamed of an orchid on your window, but have heard about the capriciousness of these flowers, start with the Dendrobium Nobile orchid. This exotic beauty is considered to be the most unpretentious of orchids.
Follow some simple recommendations, and you will enjoy the luxurious and fragrant flowering of the dendrobium for three months a year.
How to make a dendrobium orchid bloom for 12 weeks in a row?
How to ensure the necessary level of humidity in the summer heat?
How to determine when is the best time to transplant dendrobium?

• Which pot is ideal for this epiphyte?
• Is it true that nighttime temperature changes have a positive effect on the flowering of dendrobiums?
• What trick with watering will help speed up the flowering of the dendrobium?
• Do dendrobiums need a dormant period?
• What to do if the orchid still fell asleep?
• Which types of Denrobium are easier to care for?

The answers to all these questions are in our article.

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Planting and caring for the dendrobium

• Bloom: 8-12 weeks.
• Lighting: bright diffused light without direct sunlight. Daylight hours are at least 12 hours.
• Temperature: during the period of growth during the day 20-25 ˚C, at night - 16-21 ˚C, in winter during the day no higher than 20 ˚C, at night no lower than 18 ˚C. Species of cool content prefer daytime temperatures in summer within 15-18 ˚C, night temperatures around 12 ˚C, in winter around 12 ˚C during the day, and around 8 ˚C at night. The difference between day and night temperatures should be 5-7 degrees.
• Watering: abundant in the warm season, scarce during the dormant period.
• Air humidity: 50-80%. Frequent spraying with warm water is required. In winter, it is recommended to keep a pot with a plant on a tray with wet rubble.
• Top dressing: during the period of active growth (from April to September) 2 times a month with a solution of complex mineral fertilizer for orchids.
• rest period: after flowering. Each type has its own timing.
• Transfer: once every 3-4 years. Spring-flowering species - after flowering, autumn-flowering - with the beginning of the growth of young shoots.
• Reproduction: vegetatively (dividing a bush or cuttings).
• Pests: spider mites, thrips, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies.
• Diseases: root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, brown rot.

Read more about growing dendrobium below.

Dendrobium (lat. Dendrobium)- a genus of herbaceous perennials of the Orchid family. Translated from Greek, "dendrobium" means "living on a tree", which speaks of the epiphytic mode of existence of the plant, although there are also lithophytes (living on stone) among the species of Dendrobium. In nature, the dendrobium flower grows in Japan, the Philippines, China, Australia, Oceania, New Zealand and New Guinea and has more than 1200 species, which sometimes differ greatly not only in the color and shape of flowers and leaves, but also in the time of flowering, in the manner of arranging flowers on the stem and many, many others.

Dendrobium orchid - growing features

This variety of species and differences in their agricultural practices do not allow us to describe the rules for keeping at home for all dendrobiums, because each species has its own whims, but there are some general requirements that an amateur grower needs to know about:

• breeding dendrobiums is a laborious process;
• the cultivation of each species must be carried out according to the rules of agricultural technology specifically for this species, otherwise you risk destroying the flower;
• from the general rules: dendrobiums love bright diffused light without direct sunlight;
• dendrobium flowers, like any orchid, do not tolerate drafts;
• dendrobiums in nature do not need a dormant period.

Dendrobium care at home

Dendrobium orchid care

Growing a dendrobium is troublesome, although rewarding, but it is important to know how to care for your dendrobium, because they are all so different! For example, according to the conditions of optimal growing temperature, dendrobiums are divided into six groups, each of which has its own requirements for temperature conditions. But on average, for heat-loving species of dendrobium during the growth period, the most comfortable temperature in summer during the daytime is 20-25 ºC, and at night 16-21 ºC. In winter, during the day no higher than 20 ºC, at night no lower than 18 ºC.

Kinds of cool keeping Dendrobium in summer during the daytime prefer temperatures of 15-18 ºC, at night about 12 ºC, in winter about 12 ºC during the day, about 8 ºC at night.

Most types and varieties of dendrobium prefer good lighting, but without direct sunlight in the afternoon. In general, for normal growth and development, orchids need a twelve-hour daylight hours.

Watering the dendrobium not much different from watering other orchids: in warm weather, the substrate is moistened abundantly, but without the risk of rotting orchid roots. During the dormant period, hydration is symbolic. Water for irrigation should be at room temperature, purified or at least settled.

As for air humidity, the optimal humidity for dendrobium is 50-80%. To achieve such indicators, in the summer it is best to take the dendrobium outdoors and spray as often as possible, and in the winter to keep the orchid pot on a pallet with wet gravel.

Dendrobium transplant

Orchids do not like transplants, but since you have to do this once every three to four years, it is better to still have an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhow to transplant dendrobium. Species that bloom in autumn are transplanted with the beginning of the growth of young shoots, and those that bloom in spring - at the end of flowering. The container should not be large, and what material it will be from is a matter of your taste.

Experienced flower growers prefer unglazed clay flowerpots, while amateurs most often choose translucent plastic ones.

Several heavy pebbles are placed at the bottom of the pot to stabilize the small pot, then a drainage layer of expanded clay or foam is poured, a large fraction of bark is placed on top, then it is transferred from the old pot to the new dendrobium and a fresh substrate is added, which is best purchased at a specialized store. Typically, the substrate for dendrobium includes pine bark, charcoal, coconut chips, sphagnum moss, but you can limit yourself to one bark.

Dendrobium fertilizer

Top dressing of the dendrobium is carried out during the period of active growth, twice a month from April to September, with liquid complex fertilizers for orchids. The concentration of top dressing should be two times weaker than that indicated in the instructions, since a stronger concentration can destroy the roots of the plant.

In addition to this general rule for all dendrobiums, types and varieties of warm content need to be fed monthly with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer even in winter, and cold content dendrobiums - 2-3 times a month with nitrogen fertilizers.

In the photo: Dendrobium Jenkins

Dendrobium bloom

Dendrobium care during flowering

Each type of dendrobium has its own flowering time, and the duration is approximately 8-12 weeks. A difference in day and night temperatures of 5-7 degrees has a good effect on preparing the plant for flowering. In summer, this is a completely natural course of things in nature, but in winter, in a room heated around the clock ...

To achieve flowering, flower growers have such a trick: do not water the orchid until a new growth appears, but as soon as this growth stretches to 2-3 cm and takes its own roots, start watering the plant again; when the growth catches up with the old bulbs, reduce watering to a complete cessation, lower the temperature to 12 ºC (note that we are talking about a species such as dendrobium nobile, and this happens in winter) and do not water until the buds that have appeared begin to open, otherwise get babies instead of buds.

In the photo: Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Dendrobium after flowering

When the dendrobium has faded, watering is gradually stopped, the peduncle is removed, and the flower is transferred to a cool place so that it rests a bit and prepares for a new flowering. The difference between winters in our latitudes and tropical winters can lead to the fact that on our dark winter windowsills the dendrobium simply hibernates: it stops growing and freezes. This, of course, is not fatal for him, but it is better not to allow this.

In winter, when it dawns late and it gets dark early, which is unnatural for dendrobiums, use a phytolamp to artificially illuminate your orchid. Indeed, in nature, a dormant period is not provided for the dendrobium, it does something all the time: it grows roots, then leaves, then flower stalks. If in the fall your orchid still fell asleep, let it sleep: stop watering it and move it away from the heat source.

Dendrobium reproduction

Reproduction of dendrobium by dividing the bush

Reproduction of dendrobium at home is carried out only vegetatively - for example, by dividing a bush. This is done after the flowering of the dendrobium, simultaneously with the transplant: a large adult bush is removed from the pot, cleaned of the substrate, divided into parts, and the roots of the plant are first carefully unraveled, and then cut with a sharp sterile knife, what is not unraveled. Each division should have 2-3 mature bulbs and the same number of young growths. Slices are powdered with crushed charcoal or treated with garden pitch.

Propagation of dendrobium by cuttings

The pseudobulb is separated from the mother bush, cut into cuttings 10 cm long, the sections are treated with garden pitch. Then wet sphagnum moss is poured into plastic bags with a fastener, 1-2 cuttings are placed in each bag, the bag is fastened and stored in bright diffused light and a temperature of 22-25 ºC, airing daily and keeping the moss moist, but not wet. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will sprout roots, and they can be transplanted into a pot. Flowering plants will come in 2-3 years.

Types of dendrobium

There are a great many types and varieties of dendrobium, and it is too responsible to determine which of them are more beautiful. We offer you a choice of several species that seem to flower growers the most attractive for home cultivation:

Noble Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile)

One of the most beautiful species, originating from the Himalayas and Vietnam. Thick glossy pseudobulbs up to 50 cm in length give in the second year peduncles with one to three large (up to 10 cm), bright, fragrant flowers. The natural species has white petals with purplish tips, a cream-colored lip with pink edging, and a dark purple throat. Hybrid varieties can bloom several times a year.

In the photo: Noble Dendrobium or Nobile (Dendrobium nobile)

The Japanese endemic, a miniature copy of the noble dendrobium, reaches a height of only 15 cm. Not as demanding of care as other orchids, it can be a good experiment for a beginner grower.

In the photo: Dendrobium moniliforme (Dendrobium moniliforme)

Dendrobium densely colored (Dendrobium densiflorum)

Epiphyte from the Eastern Himalayas. Its dense drooping inflorescences-brushes up to 30 cm long sometimes bear 50 fragrant flowers with bright yellow petals and sepals and a yellow-orange, fringed lip, furry along the edge. A variety of this species, the racemose dendrobium (Dendrobium thyrsiflorum) has white or cream-colored petals.

One of the most beautiful species of the Dendrobium orchid and, moreover, the most common in indoor floriculture is the Dendrobium Nobile (Dendrobium Nobile). The advantages of this orchid are spectacular appearance, luxurious flowering, amazing aroma, so pleasant, slightly sweet and not at all cloying! Even novice flower growers can do the cultivation of Dendrobium Nobile, because by unpretentiousness, knowledgeable people compare this flower with geraniums. In this article, we will introduce you to this epiphytic handsome man and tell you about the proper care of the Dendrobium Nobile at home.

A feature of Dendrobium Nobile is the location of its peduncles - along the entire length of the pseudobulb

This type of orchid is most often found high in the mountains of India, in Thailand, in Nepal, in Vietnam, in the Himalayas. Back in 1836, she was brought from India to Europe, where she struck everyone with her unusual beauty. Translated from Greek, the name of the orchid "Dendrobium" sounds like "living on a tree", and the prefix "Nobile" means "noble, excellent, noticeable or famous." The second name of this orchid, Dendrobium Noble, characterizes this plant very accurately. A tall bush, about 60 cm, has an original, very spectacular look. Purple with a yellow spot, pink, white or red flowers cover the trunk so densely that the bush looks like a living bouquet. Its fleshy, straight, with a characteristic glossy sheen, stems (pseudobulbs), usually cylindrical, thickened at the bottom, and decorated with wide leaves at the top. Peduncles, with large bright fragrant flowers, appear on them in the second year of life.

The flowers of Dendrobium Nobile are combined into inflorescences, on which, depending on the age of the orchid and the variety of the hybrid, there can be from 1 to 3 flowers. And the whole pseudobulb, if you count, can be decorated with 50 to 70 flowers. The diameter of one flower can reach 10 cm, but on average it is from 5 to 8 cm. Natural species of Dendrobium noble have white petals with purple tips and a cream-colored lip with pinkish edging and a dark purple throat. And hybrid varieties come with white, orange, purple, lilac, dark purple flowers, even variegated ones. The shape of the petals is ovoid with elongated sepals. Flowering occurs in February - March. The shoots of an adult flowering Dendrobium are literally strewn from base to top with large, unusually beautiful flowers. Each flower stays on the peduncle for up to two months.

Shield on orchid leaves

Spider mite. You can recognize the appearance of the pest by the thin cobwebs that cover the leaves and shoots of the orchid. Most likely, the air in your room is too dry. These insects also feed on plant sap. Small spots from tick stings on the surface of the leaf turn into large spots. Affected leaves and flower stalks die off.

You are unlikely to be able to cope with the entire colony - insect pests of indoor plants are very prolific. In addition to adult flying and crawling individuals, their larvae and eggs are in the colony, which are firmly attached in the sinuses, folds, and roots. Therefore, we recommend that you use chemical means of control - insecticides in case of severe lesions. There are many such drugs on the market. You can spray with one of the drugs: Aktara, Aktellik, Fitoverm. Usually, re-treatment is necessary after 10 - 15 days, read the instructions.

A little about signs

According to Eastern philosophers, there are many signs associated with the presence of this mysterious flower in the apartment.

• It is believed that for married couples, Dendrobium Nobile will bring peace and prosperity to the house. If the couple is in a civil marriage, then the appearance of this flower can lead to contention and, even, to a break in relations.
• It is not advisable to have an orchid in the bedroom. It is believed that the flower will take strength from the owner, he may begin to become depressed.
• The plant has a negative effect on people with an unstable psyche.
• In creative people, it contributes to the awakening of inspiration and new strength.
• She gives women cheerfulness and prolongs youth.
• The presence of a blooming Dendrobium Nobile orchid in the house is a talisman against guests with bad intentions and all sorts of ill-wishers. If such a person appears at your place, the orchid will worsen his well-being and force him to leave your house.

The color of orchid petals also has its effect.

• It is believed that orchid species with red and purple flowers help get rid of bad habits.
• Yellow and orange orchids promote an active lifestyle, bring success in financial affairs.
• White and pink flowers relieve depression and bring the state of mind into harmony.

Conclusion

The orchid variety Dendrobium Nobile is slightly inferior in popularity to Phalaenopsis. Although, it is no less beautiful, able to bloom for a long time, exudes a pleasant aroma. This orchid is unpretentious in care and maintenance, easily propagated. If you do not yet have a collection of indoor orchids, then we advise you to start with Dendrobium Nobile. We are sure that you will be able to choose the best hybrid of this orchid for your soul and your home, and it will decorate your home for many years to come.

Having gained some experience in growing ornamental crops, many flower growers at some point set themselves the goal of growing an orchid on their site. And many are not afraid that this will not be so easy to do.

This plant has a large species diversity, and among them there are not so many varieties that can grow well in room conditions. One of the most famous is the dendrobium orchid.

This family includes representatives such as phalaenopsis and dendrobium nobile orchid. The agrotechnics of growing these exotic plants in each case is determined by the characteristics of the climate, which is natural for them.

Because the orchid is a member of the epiphyte family, then their development is extremely negatively affected by dry air, lack of lighting and excess moisture.

Dendrobium nobile stands out from other members of the family with stunning beauty, which is largely provided by its large fragrant flowers. In the process of growth, the orchid forms pseudobulbs, which look like a thickening of the stem that accumulates moisture and nutrients. During the growing season, the plant at a certain point goes into a dormant state, as indicated by many signs. It stops growing and begins to prepare forces for a new flowering.

For this reason, with the onset of winter, it is necessary to create specific conditions for the plant: the ambient temperature must be lowered to 10 degrees Celsius, lighting should be maximum, and watering should be excluded.

If all these requirements are met, then already in the first days of spring, and possibly even earlier, the pseudobulbs will begin to turn into flower stalks.

For flower growers, hybrids derived from dendrobium nobile and phalaenopsis are more suitable, since they begin to bloom without prior preparation. Care for them is determined by the peculiarities of the origin of their parents. Therefore, before buying them, it does not hurt to first get acquainted with their pedigree. If you want these varieties of orchids to please you with their flowering for as long as possible, then you will have to maintain the appropriate temperature in the room around the clock - from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.

At the moment when the dendrobium nobile orchid stops flowering, the aerial part enters the phase of active growth, which over time leads to children. At this stage, it is necessary to maintain an increased temperature and humidity in the room. Feeding is mandatory, which is carried out once every two weeks. To do this, use liquid formulations specifically designed for orchids.

Until the end of summer, the dendrobium orchid is gaining green mass. At this time, you should not touch the old pseudobulbs, as they will provide additional nutrition to the newly emerging babies.

Transplant at home

This operation seriously injures the dendrobium, so it is recommended to transplant plants no more than once every two to three years. In principle, this operation should be carried out only if there is an urgent need for it. Examples of such situations can be when there is no longer enough space in the container in which the dendrobium grows, the plant has stopped growing, the emerging pseudobulbs hang over the edges of the pot, there are signs of soil salinization.

• the best time for reproduction is in spring, the moment after flowering or at the beginning of active growth. The roots of the transplanted plant must be cleaned of the old soil. To do this, the pot with the plant must be thoroughly moistened, then later it will be possible to remove the existing substrate without any problems;
• before planting, it is necessary to inspect the roots: if rotten or damaged areas are found, they must be removed, and the sections treated with charcoal. It is forbidden to use brilliant green or other preparations containing alcohol for this purpose. After that, you need to let the roots dry for several hours;
• The orchid feels best in cramped containers. For this, pots are selected so that the thickness of the substrate between the roots and the walls is no more than 2 cm.
• in the process of growth, the aerial part of the orchid becomes large, so it is recommended to plant it in stable containers. The best option is heavy clay pots;
• having picked up a suitable container for reproduction, drainage is placed in it for ¼ volume. Then it is filled with a substrate to form a hill. After that, an orchid is prepared for transplantation: its roots need to be straightened, and then the plant is placed in the center. Care must be taken to ensure that the pseudobulbs remain on the surface. In some cases, supports may be required to provide good stability;
• after planting, in order to propagate, containers with an orchid should be kept in a dark place, the temperature should be about 20 degrees Celsius. After 2-4 days, you can start watering.

How to care for a dendrobium orchid?

Photo plants look beautiful because they were proper care provided. This moment just needs to be given maximum attention.

Epiphytic orchids thrive best on soils that have a loose structure and do not contain many nutrients. As a soil substrate, a mixture based on crushed pine bark, sphagnum moss and peat is used. You also need to add charcoal to it. The soil mixture used for planting orchids must be free of calcium. This is due to the fact that many types of orchids react negatively to this element.

Can also be used as a substrate crushed bark of coniferous plants. You need to fill the container with it as follows: you need to put larger pieces on the bottom, and smaller ones in the upper part. The presence of a small amount of peat in it, which improves its mechanical properties, has a positive effect on the quality of the substrate. As a result, the soil for the orchid acquires the best acidity.

The substrate prepared for use must be disinfected. To do this, it must be spilled with boiling water and allowed to stand for 10-15 minutes. Then wait until it dries.

When propagating dendrobium orchids at home, you can plant them in ordinary pots or hanging baskets from slats. However, in any case, they will need good drainage, which should occupy at least 1/4 of the height. To do this, use broken brick or crushed granite, laying it out in a thick layer. But the use of expanded clay and limestone, which is rich in calcium, is not recommended.

Before planting in baskets, be sure to add thick layer of sphagnum. Plants that grow on a snag support look more decorative.

Lighting

Under natural conditions, dendrobium nobile feels good only if it is provided with bright and diffused lighting. In room conditions, this becomes a problem, especially in winter, when there is a strong lack of lighting. For this reason, in order to create the most favorable conditions, it is recommended to grow orchids from May to September on windows facing the west and east, and in winter they need to be transferred to the south.

During care, periodically turn the pot so that all parts of the dendrobium get enough light. In the case of approaching cold weather, it is necessary to remove them away from the windowsill.

A dendrobium orchid can grow well if it is provided with enough light during the day. Usually the optimal day length is 10-15 hours. In winter, the lack of lighting can be eliminated by highlighting with special lamps.

• varieties of orchids that have white and pale pink flowers tolerate the lack of lighting much better. Therefore, subject to additional illumination, they will also feel good on windows located on the northeast side;
• if you are growing dendrobium orchids with bright red, pink, yellow flowers, then it is better to keep them on windows facing southeast, southwest. With the advent of winter, they are transferred to the south side, not forgetting to create additional illumination for them.

By providing too much light to the plants, you will ensure that the dendrobium orchid will actively gain weight, forming pseudobulbs, which at the same time will not grow large, and this will negatively affect flowering.

With a lack of lighting, the pseudobulbs will turn out to be thin and long, while flowering usually does not occur.

In order for the orchid to absorb all the water used for irrigation, it needs to provide enough light. Therefore, you need to pay attention to this moment and regulate the rate of irrigation.

Watering dendrobium orchids

Care at home involves the right choice of time for watering. The signal to start watering the plants is the drying of the top layer of moss or substrate. In the summer, it is enough to carry out two to three times a week. With the onset of winter, watering should be minimal.

Temperature regime

The temperature factor begins to affect the development of the dendrobium orchid only if it provided with the necessary amount of light. Its deficiency leads to the fact that plants do not come out of dormancy, even despite the creation of a favorable temperature.

In the daytime in summer, the optimum temperature regime is 20 degrees, in winter it is lowered to 17 degrees, while a decrease in night temperature by 2-3 degrees is allowed.

If the ambient temperature becomes excessively high, then the water begins to evaporate rapidly through the stomata on the leaves. As a result, only part of the moisture they need reaches the roots.

For this reason, when establishing an elevated temperature regime in a room, it is necessary to regulate the humidity of the air in accordance with it. Pots of dendrobium orchids should be placed on a tray of water and pebbles or damp moss. Spraying also helps maintain the required level of humidity.

A serious danger to dendrobium orchids can be fungal diseases. In order to avoid their development, it is necessary when caring for the dendrobium orchid at home to regularly ventilate the room, making sure that there are no cold drafts. When warm sunny weather sets in, the plants can be kept outdoors.

When growing dendrobium orchids at home, already in the first weeks of spring, they begin to gain green mass, provided that good lighting is created. At such moments, it is necessary to maintain optimal humidity, regularly fertilize with mineral fertilizers.

If the plants are provided with the required amount of light, moisture and a favorable temperature is created for them, then in October they form the maximum amount of foliage and pseudobulbs of normal sizes.

Conclusion

Growing a dendrobium orchid at home seems to be a rather laborious task. However, the desire to enjoy the flowering of this plant stops few people. In order for the orchid to enter the phase of active growth in the spring, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for it also in the winter. For this you need keep the temperature below 10 degrees and completely eliminate watering.

Dendrobium nobile requires even more attention in the spring, when it begins to actively gain green mass. In addition to maintaining the optimum temperature, during care it must be provided with the necessary amount of moisture and regular feeding. It is also important to ensure that indoor there were no cold spells. Compliance with these conditions allows you to get well-developed orchid bushes already in October.