Loddiges' dendrobium

Also known as: Information to be completed

A small-sized, semi-evergreen orchid with up to 10cm long, pendulous, cane-like stems. The stem is covered with alternate, thin white, leaf-bearing sheaths. The leaves are fleshy, bright or dark green, 4-6cm long. Short flowering stems carrying a single, 5cm large flower emerge from the nodes in the upper third of leafed, or leafless stems. Long-lasting, fragrant flowers are pale pink or pale purple. The lip is round, with fringed white edge and yellow/orange centre.

Scientific classification

Species: Loddiges' dendrobium (Dendrobium loddigesii)
Genus: Dendrobium
Family: Orchidaceae

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Houseplants
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Semi evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming · Trailing · Tufted
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Loddiges' dendrobium pictures

Distribution of Loddiges' dendrobium

Distribution map

Southern China and Indo-China

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Loddiges' dendrobium

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Loddiges' dendrobium care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant
Watering: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks in active growth

Pruning

No pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are enough, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes - remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.

Growing

Plants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a basket in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Re-pot before the potting mix starts to decompose, ideally in spring when the new growth appears. The average temperatures are 20-25°C in summer and 8-14°C in winter. Provide indirect light and high humidity by misting regularly in spring and summer. Ensure that roots dry-out between the waterings, especially in winter. See indoor orchid cultivation

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