Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

Spring blooms are much appreciated…even more so when those long awaited dormant orchids begin to bloom. It is satisfying seeing a Dendrobium superbum come into bloom.

There are so many orchids in the genus Dendrobium. With well over 1000 species identified, their growing requirements are quite diverse. The genus and respective species are divided into 6 basic groups based on growing requirements, appearance, and other variables.

This month’s article is about the species Dendrobium superbum. Dendrobium superbum fall under Group 2. Orchids in this group include Dendrobium anosmum, fimbriatum, parishii, superbum. These orchids are deciduous, which means they drop their leaves. Most have drooping canes.

LIGHT: Dendrobium superbum need medium to bright light and generally do well in the intermediate temperatures.. You can grow them with your cattleyas.

FLOWERS: Flowers sprout from the bare canes and bear numerous lavender to white flowers in the spring. One might think the orchid is dead as the stalk is bare.

WATERING: This is the most difficult aspect of growing this orchid. In spring and summer while growth is developing and leaves are merging, water generously and give ample fertilizer. In late fall, restrict watering, which means STOP WATERING. In South Florida, you can water through November and sometimes through early December if the weather is warm. Water just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Treat it like a cactus and let it be or pretend it is a flower bulb that is hibernating and forget about it (well almost!) Dendrobium superbum need this dry period in the winter. Do not fertilize during this dormancy period.

For those of us who are accustomed to watering plants more frequently, the "No Watering" rule is difficult. Do monitor your orchids to ensure they are not withering. The best guideline is ignore them in the winter. In spring, increase watering amounts. When flower buds begin forming, water moderately through flowering. After flowering, the growth cycle begins again and new growth and heavy watering requirements.

TEMPERATURES: Dendrobium superbum prefer intermediate temperatures 55F -85F). They prefer night temperatures around 50F during the winter months. These orchids can handle much higher temperatures in the summer provided they have good air circulation and air movement. Dendrobium superbum enjoy similar conditions as cattleyas.

Dendrobium superbum like to hang freely from baskets or do well when mounted on bark, cork, etc. Allow the canes to hang freely over the sides of the basket. The cool- dry treatment is of utmost importance for this species. This specific cycle helps to induce flowering. Dendrobium superbum are classified as moderately difficult to grow… perhaps is it not the best choice for a novice hobbyist just starting an orchid hobby. I had a Dendrobium superbum several years ago and it never did well. I had an extremely difficult time maintaining the "no watering", cool-dry treatment. After a few years, I attempted to "master" growing this orchid once again. Much to my delight and pleasure, I finally succeeded!

If you are ready for a mild challenge, try your luck with Dendrobium superbum!

Vivi