An Introduction To The Dendrobium Orchid

Salep is derived from the tubers of several species of Orchis.

An Introduction to the Dendrobium Orchid


Dendrobium is the second largest genus of orchid family. It consists of more than one thousand naturally occurring species. A dendrobium orchid usually lives as an epiphyte i.e. it lives mounted on the surface of other plants. Sometimes it would grow over a rock surface. Flowers of dendrobium come in a rich variety including red, yellow, orange, pink, white, and lavender. Usually they would last up to two months.

A dendrobium orchid can be found in a variety of natural habitats, ranging from high mountains to tropical forests and even deserts. Geographically, dendrobium orchids cover regions in Asia, Australia, Thailand, New Guinea, Borneo, and New Zealand. The conditions required for proper growth of the plant vary, depending on the particular species of the dendrobium orchid.

Favorable Conditions for a Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium orchids require that the plant roots be not too tightly wrapped up in the soil mix. Tree-fern fiber is a good mix for them, provided that the medium lets some air meet the roots. A soggy soil mix is the last thing a dendrobium orchid would tolerate, since the roots start rotting in response to an excessively wet mix.

Temperature Range and Light Intensity

The most suitable temperature range for dendrobium orchids is 16o C to 30o C, though most species would survive in temperatures as low as 7o C or high up to 33o C. Though blooming in warm temperatures, the flowers of a dendrobium orchid will usually last longer if temperatures remain low while the flowers are blooming. Usually stronger light is needed for good health of dendrobium plants. One sign of improper lighting of the plant is the development of spindle-shaped stems, thin leaves, and absence or inhibited growth of flowers. On the other hand, overexposure to light or high temperatures can result in permanent damage to the plant, the condition termed sunburn.

Nutrition

Though dendrobium orchid is equipped to bearing dry conditions, regular watering and use of fertilizer ensure the plants health. It is important to remember that excess water causes the plants roots to rot; hence caregivers should water the plant when the containing medium feels dry upon touching. A soluble fertilizer can be used in each episodes of watering if the plant is showing active growth. At this stage, usually a higher concentration of fertilizer is needed. However, if the plant is steady with little active growth, use the fertilizer in water at every second or third episode. Remember to oversee if the medium is fresh. In case it is decomposed, it is time to repot the dendrobium orchid.

There are plenty of orchids which appear so dark to the eye that they are considered to practically deserve to be labeled as black, but as of yet no true black orchids have ever been found.

Orchids stolen from wildlife site (BBC News)
Wildlife experts condemn thieves who stole orchids from a nature reserve in Nottingham.
A media circus outside Paris' house (Los Angeles Times)
As soon as word broke that Paris Hilton was being sprung from her Lynwood jail cell, dozens of paparazzi as well as other entertainment journalists and news reporters began a day of staking out the celebrity's home on Kings Road in Hollywood Hills.
Doing big business in orchids (Hernando Today)
There is never a wrong time of the year to purchase flowers for those you love. Thats the sentiment of Everlast Orchids and Supplies.
Pair hope success will keep growing (Bury Free Press)
BEAUTIFUL blooms are blossoming at Tudor Rose Florist, in Bury St Edmunds, which opened last weekend.
Volunteers needed for rare orchid counts (Crookston Daily Times)
The Minnesota Natural Heritage Program is seeking volunteers to spend one or more days between July 6 and 9 helping to count Western Prairie Fringed Orchids in the vicinity of Crookston, Fertile, and Thief River Falls.
Monterey founders recall granddaddy of music fests (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Bonnaroo, Coachella, even Woodstock might never have happened if it had not been for the good vibes that remained from the first great rock festival. Next weekend will be the 40th anniversary of the Monterey International Pop Festival.
Not just for farmers (The Beacon News)
Don't be surprised if you hear "merci beaucoup" at Geneva's French Market.

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