The Three Classes Of Dendrobium Orchids

To this day, over a thousand Dendrobium species have been discovered. This firmly entrenches Dendrobium as the second largest orchid genus in the world after Bulbophyllum. There is variation in the shape and form of the leaves and stem of Denrobiums, but the pattern of flowers is quite consistent. Dendrobium orchids come from South East Asia, Northern India, islands off the East coast of New Guinea, Australia, and Polynesia. The latitude where they grow is around the equator and this region is always hot at sea level without seasonal variation. However, dendrobium orchids originating north of the Tropic of Cancer and south of the Tropic of Capricorn are used to a ranging climate having cold, dry winters and warm, wet summers.

Dendrobium orchids are categorized into three classes:

1. Nobile type or Himalayan orchids.

2. New Guinea orchids.

3. Australian orchids.

1. Nobile Dendrobiums:

This orchid is easy to grow, but is difficult to bloom consistently. The flowers are unrestrained and multi-colored with colors like white, pink and purple, and the lip is often marked with contrasting colors. Others are yellow and brown, while recently introduced hybrids have all the colors of the rainbow. The Himalayan climate can be equated to a warmer Switzerland with cold, but dry winters.

Requirements:

From November to February, daytime temperatures can drop to 40° - 45°. At this time, you should not water or feed the dendrobium orchid but give it plenty of light and air ventilation. From March to June, the environment is naturally warmer and moister. This is when buds develop and new growths appear. Then, watering should be reduced until the new shoots have grown roots. From June to November, during the monsoon period which is warm and very wet, give the orchid a low strength, high nitrogen feed. Dry and cool the nobile dendrobiums during winter so it has a chance to flower.

2. New Guinea Dendrobiums:

Climate fluctuates with altitude and mountainous regions generally have cool, misty nights and warm, bright days. It is imperative that the orchids of these regions to dry out completely and they must be fed often with diluted fertilizers. The river valleys between the mountain ranges are warm and wet, and some of the most exotic of the New Guinea orchids reside here. New Guinea orchids require generous feeding and watering.

3. Australian Dendrobiums:

Dendrobium Kingianum and its close relatives are the easiest to grow of all orchids. The pseudobulbs have a length from 5cm to 30cm tall, and are thin and tough. Its leaves are narrow and the flowers emerge in late winter and early spring. Australian orchids can be removed and potted separately after they have developed sufficient roots or they can be left on the parent plant. These orchids require intermediate temperatures and drier conditions than other Dendrobiums. Weekly waterings are needed, and water generously during the spring and autumn with dilute feed.

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