Kamis, 18 Desember 2008

How to Take Care of Dendrobium Orchids


By : D Swain

Dendrobium orchids are mostly found in tropical areas, but some have adapted to more cooler climates. Some species grow on trees, while a few can be found growing on rocks. Some of these plants shed their leaves in the fall or water, while others are evergreen. If you're interested in growing one, there are a few things you need to know. This article will give you a few tips on how to take care of dendrobium orchids.

Air
It's important to provide good air movement. This will help prevent water from accumulating and leading to the formation of mold. You can simply open up a window in the room to provide adequate air movement. A small fan can also be used, but it shouldn't be pointed directly at your plant.

Temperature
As mentioned earlier, dendrobium orchids are usually found in tropical areas. It's best that you provide a temperature range between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, a range between 65 and 75 is good. You can expose the plant to extremely cold or hot temperatures for a short time without causing major damage.

Water
These orchids usually grow on trees in the wild. This means that they are used to drying out before being given water again. When growing one of these plants in your home, you should let the potting medium dry out thoroughly before you provide more water.

Light
You should provide your dendrobium orchids with full sun in the morning. Just before noon until late afternoon, you should provide more shading. The best way to grow one in your home is to use an overhead light.

Repotting
Dendrobiums should be placed in a new pot every two years. This should be done during the spring after the plant has bloomed or produced new growth. Medium-grade fir bark works well when growing these orchids in a larger pot. If you're using a relatively small pot, then you can use fine-grade fir bark instead.