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Phalaenopsis
Cattleya
Oncidieae
Cymbidium
Vanda / Ascocenda
Paphiopedilum
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The Dendrobiums belong to a very diverse genus, consisting of numerous
evergreen, semi-deciduous, and deciduous species. This culture sheet deals
with only three of the many genus.
PHALAENOPSIS OR ANTELOPE TYPE
(Tall, thin canes, flowering on sprays from the tops)
NIGRO-HIRSUTE TYPE
(Fine dark hairs on canes, flowers direct from canes)
Temperature - Dendrobiums can withstand hot weather if
adequate ventilation and humidity are provided. They do best when the
temperature is between 65°F and 75°F in the day and between 55°F. to
60°F. at night.
Humidity and Ventilation - A minimum humidity of 50%
is generally considered a necessity. However it does not need to be
constant, in the home, morning misting and or gravel trays (Remember not
to sit the pot directly on the gravel) are usually enough. Air movement
essential at all times, but especially critical when the humidity is very
high. In the home, natural air movement is usually enough, but in
enclosures and greenhouses, fans are recommended.
Light - They need an abundance of light, but not
direct sun. A lightly shaded South window is best. East or West facing
windows are satisfactory if bright (avoid direct sun except at the
beginning or end of the day).
Watering and Feeding - Always water orchids in the
morning so that the leaves are dry before night. How often to water
depends on the potting media used, the type of pot (plastic or clay), and
the size of the pot. Dendrobiums do not like to be potted in large pots,
and are often as much as ten times as tall as the pot is wide. Because
they are usually large plants in relatively small pots, watering twice a
week is about average. They like to be watered well, drained well and like
to be almost dry before re-watering. Feed plants potted in bark with Peters
30-10-10 twice a month in the Summer, every three weeks - Spring &
Fall, and once a month in the Winter.
Pests - Slugs and snails can be controlled with
products containing Metaldehyde such as Deadline or Slug
baits. Diatomaceous Earth is quite
effective against slugs and Beer in a shallow bowl is a good trap
for them. For mealy bugs, scales and other pests use insecticides like Malathion
or X-clude. Remember that these products are intended to kill and
should be used in the open air outside your home. A light horticultural oil, like Year Round,
(not a dormant oil) which smothers bugs and their eggs is quite effective
against most pests and fairly safe. Insecticidal Soap is also effective
against these insects and reasonably safe, but it has less residual action. With any
of these products some insects, and especially their eggs, will survive to
breed again. One dose of even a systemic insecticide will not wipe out a
large population of insects totally and completely. In the home, vigilance
is often the best defense against pests. If you get them early, before
they start laying eggs, they can be eliminated relatively easily. Remember
to use any of these products with caution and in accordance with the
manufacturers label.
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