Moderate Orchid Safe for pets

Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium nobile

Dendrobium nobile is a majestic orchid with clusters of fragrant flowers that emerge along its upright canes.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–60 %
Temperature

10–27 °C

How to care for your Dendrobium Orchid

Everything you need to keep your Dendrobium Orchid healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Dendrobium nobile originates from the mountainous regions of Asia, from Nepal to southern China. It is distinguished by its cane-shaped pseudobulbs that bear clusters of delicately fragrant flowers in spring. To bloom, it requires a winter rest period with cool nighttime temperatures and very reduced watering. It is a rewarding orchid that can produce dozens of flowers on a well-maintained mature plant.

Watering your Dendrobium Orchid

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly then allow the substrate to dry almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in autumn–winter to stimulate flowering.

How to know it needs water

Substrate dry in the top 2–3 cm
Pseudobulbs beginning to wrinkle slightly
Pot feels light to the touch

How much light a Dendrobium Orchid needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect to slightly direct morning light. Requires more light than Phalaenopsis to bloom well.

Direct sun tolerated: 1 to 3 h a day
Orientations that suit it: East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-east

Humidity and misting

50–60 %

50–60% Mist the canes and aerial roots moderately. Avoid water pooling between the leaves.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Stop all fertilization from October to February to allow the rest period necessary for flowering.

Recommended feed: Balanced orchid fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) in spring and summer. High-potassium fertilizer (NPK 10-30-20) in late summer. · 20-20-20

Repotting your Dendrobium Orchid

Every 24 months

Use a mix of pine bark and sphagnum moss. A slightly snug pot encourages flowering. Remove old leafless canes if they are shrivelled.

When: Spring, after flowering and at the start of new growth
Potting mix: Orchid mix
Mix in: pine bark, sphagnum moss, perlite

The tell-tale signs

Substrate decomposed and retaining too much moisture
Roots too cramped
New shoots emerging at the base

Pruning your Dendrobium Orchid

After flowering. Do not remove old canes while they are still green — they act as nutrient reserves. Remove only spent flowers and completely dry, brown canes. Green canes store nutrients for the plant.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 14 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

13 J
11 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
11 N
14 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Dendrobium nobile needs a cool period (10–13°C at night) in autumn to trigger its spectacular spring bloom.
It is the national orchid of many Asian countries and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Frequently asked questions about the Dendrobium Orchid

How do you care for a Dendrobium Orchid?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–60 %. Ideal temperature: 10–27 °C. Water thoroughly then allow the substrate to dry almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in autumn–winter to stimulate flowering.

How often should you water a Dendrobium Orchid?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly then allow the substrate to dry almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in autumn–winter to stimulate flowering. How to know it needs water : Substrate dry in the top 2–3 cm ; Pseudobulbs beginning to wrinkle slightly ; Pot feels light to the touch.

How much light does a Dendrobium Orchid need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect to slightly direct morning light. Requires more light than Phalaenopsis to bloom well. 1 to 3 h a day

Is the Dendrobium Orchid toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Dendrobium Orchid is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Dendrobium Orchid leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Dendrobium Orchid?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring, after flowering and at the start of new growth. Use a mix of pine bark and sphagnum moss. A slightly snug pot encourages flowering. Remove old leafless canes if they are shrivelled.