Dendrobium

Dendrobium nobile

Noble Dendrobium

Dendrobium nobile is a pseudobulbous epiphyte from the monsoon forests of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, where it clings to bark and rock and dries quickly between rains. Grow it in a fast-draining bark mix with airflow, and water when the medium has dried nearly through and the pseudobulbs are firm. Its canes store water, so it tolerates drying out far better than sitting wet.

Dendrobium kingianum

Pink Rock Orchid

A pseudobulbous epiphyte from the rocky outcrops and forests of eastern Australia, this orchid stores water in its swollen pseudobulbs and grows clinging to bark or stone rather than in dense soil. It wants a fast-draining, airy bark mix and good airflow, and it rots if left sitting wet. Water when the bark medium has dried out and the pseudobulbs are firm but not shrivelled, then water thoroughly and let it approach dryness again.

Dendrobium speciosum

Rock-lily

Dendrobium speciosum is a pseudobulbous orchid that grows on rock and bark in eastern Australia, storing water in its thick pseudobulbs and relying on fast drainage and airflow at the roots. Grow it in a coarse, open orchid mix or mounted, in bright indirect light, and water only when the medium has dried and the pseudobulbs are firm but no longer plump. It tolerates dry spells far better than sitting wet, so err toward letting the roots approach dryness between waterings.

Dendrobium anosmum

Honohono Orchid

Dendrobium anosmum is a pseudobulbous epiphyte from tropical Southeast Asia, growing on trees and rock where its roots drain fast and dry quickly between rains. Grow it in an open, airy bark mix with strong air movement, and water when the medium and roots are nearly dry — the canes store water and rot if kept wet. It takes bright indirect light and high humidity; during its dormant period after the canes mature, water more sparingly still.

Dendrobium crumenatum

Dove Orchid

A pseudobulbous epiphyte from tropical Asian and Pacific forests, it grows clinging to bark rather than in soil and stores water in its thickened stems. Plant it in a fast-draining bark mix with good airflow, and water only once the roots and mix have gone nearly dry. Its swollen pseudobulbs let it tolerate brief drought, so when in doubt, wait — sitting wet invites rot.

Dendrobium aphyllum

Hooded Orchid

Dendrobium aphyllum is a pseudobulbous epiphyte from monsoonal forests across South and Southeast Asia, growing on tree bark and rock where roots drain fast and dry between rains. Grow it in an open, fast-draining bark mix or mount with good airflow, and water when the roots and medium have approached dryness, roughly every 4 to 9 days depending on warmth and light. It stores moisture in its canes, so it tolerates brief dryness far better than sitting wet, which rots the roots.