March 30, 2022

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Dendrobium Orchids. This flowering plant belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is a very large genus containing more than 1,800 species that are found in southeast Asia, including China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Guinea, Vietnam, and many of the islands of the Pacific. Known for its many blooms this is a great houseplant to add a pop of color to your space. Dendrobiums are primarily epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants and trees in their native habitats. Many Dendrobium are deciduous and will drop their leaves before the onset of winter. This is normal, the leaves will grow back!

Let’s talk about care. Dendrobium Orchids will do great in an east facing window where they will receive bright sunlight in the morning and then shade the rest of the day. Placing your Orchid outside for the summer is a great idea. If you do so, make sure to place in shade. Orchids do require warmer temperatures throughout the year. During the winter months, make sure to protect your plant from chilly drafts. Humidity is a must. Misting Dendrobiums daily will improve the quality and health of your plant. These Orchids do like to dry slightly between watering. Water when the media is almost completely dry keeping a good eye on your plant during the summer months. If orchids become underwatered their canes will shrivel up.

Orchids generally need to be repotted once per year Espoma’s Organic Orchid Mix. This chunky bark mix is the perfect balance of drainage and aeration – exactly what orchids and other epiphytes need. The best time to re-pot is just after flowering and when your orchids is showing lack or growth, yellowing leaves, or dead and damaged roots. Orchids need to be fertilized often to encourage growth and re-bloom. We have two orchid specific fertilizers available at Tonkadale: Jack's Classic Orchid Bloom Booster and Schultz Water Soluble Orchid Food.

Dendrobium Orchids are available in the greenhouse in 4” pots in lots of fun varieties including, Sea Mary ‘Snow King’, Love Memory ‘Fizz’, Fancy Angel ‘Lychee’, and Little Sweet Scent ‘NN'

If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us - hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!