Dendrobium orchid care: watering, light and repotting
Also called dendrobium, noble dendrobium · Dendrobium nobile · Orchidaceae family
14 d in winter
How often to water the dendrobium orchid?
Allow about 6 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 14 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
To flower, it needs a cool autumn (50–59 °F, 10–15 °C at night) and almost no water. Don't cut the canes that have flowered: they feed the plant.
What light does it need?
The dendrobium orchid likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in May, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to August, feeding every 2 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Shoots instead of flowers
Cause: Winter too warm or too wet. What to do: In autumn, keep it cool and barely water it.
Wrinkled canes
Cause: Thirst while growing. What to do: Water every week in spring and summer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the dendrobium orchid?
About every 6 days in spring and summer, and every 2 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the dendrobium orchid?
The dendrobium orchid likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the dendrobium orchid?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the dendrobium orchid?
Every 2 years, ideally in May, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the dendrobium orchid safe?
The dendrobium orchid is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the dendrobium orchid needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.