Dendrobium

• Dendrobium cannot be stored at a lower temperature than 12-15° C. Therefore, make sure the plant is kept in the cover or box during the transport and shift phase to prevent cold damage.
• If necessary, water once a week.
• Check the plant for faded flowers and other imperfections.
• Put it in the bright sun but make sure it is in sufficient light, especially in the winter months.

Dendrobium grows best at a normal room temperature of 18-22°C in a bright location. In the winter months the plant can be in direct sunlight. From the beginning of April to the beginning of October the sun is too sharp and the plant should not be in direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves will burn. In the areas of origin - the tropical rainforest - the plant also does not receive direct sunlight: it grows below the canopy of the trees.

The plant does not require a lot of water: once a week a lukewarm dip in the water will suffice, the aerial roots can also be misted with a spray bottle. It is important to dry the ground and drain the residual water: the roots of this orchid are very sensitive and do not enjoy a footbath. Be reluctant with giving nutrition: half of the standard dose will suffice.

After the blossoming cut off the flower branch after it has finished flowering just above the upper leaf of the shoot. Put the plant drier and colder, then after some time a new branch will develop from this so-called 'eye'. If it does not work to make the plant blossom again, then place Dendrobium for some month in a colder area (15-16°C) to promote germination. The plant should of course remain in the light.

The plant is not used to a lower temperature than 17-18°C, since its origin is tropical. This is why Dendrobium reacts to the lower temperature by creating buds as survival strategy. During this cold period the plant does not require a lot of water. Once the new shoot has arrived, the plant can be placed back in the warm room. Only once the buds of flowers are properly visible should you water it again.