The name Dendrobium is derived from greek word dendron a tree, and bios, life. It means that these plants are epiphyte, that exist by clinging to branches and trunks of host trees. They thrive on the humidity rising from the jungle floor and on the meager nourishment obtainable from old leaves and other debris collected in the branches of the trees.

In indonesia they can be found in sumatra throughout the Java, Eastern Maluku and Irian Jaya.

They inhabit every type of environment from hot lowland to the snowline of the Jayawijaya (Irian Jaya), for example Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Indonesian called Larat), in their natural habitat (Larat island) sometime can be found clinging to the rock in the sea shore,

Most of Dendrobium enjoy continuous sunshine.

Warm-growing dendrobiums which should perform well in household temperatures.

Blooming season is spring through fall.

LIGHT

The dendrobium phalaenopsis do well in an east window receiving direct sunlight until 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. and shade for the rest of the day. A south window is also suitable, but remember that the sun's intensity increases dramatically from March 1 to the beginning of October.

A sheer curtain should be used then to filter this stronger light. The other problem with a south window is that in mid-summer the sun gets so high that it fails to reach the plant.

One can place these plants outside in bright shade from June 1 to September 1, being watchful for frost.

WATERING

These plants are evergreen and do not require a rest period as some dendrobiums do.

They should be watered as they approach dryness. This can vary from 2 to 5 days, depending on humidity, air movement and the amount of light they receive.

FERTILIZING

These plants should be fertilized every two to three weeks in the summer and once every month in the winter.

Use a 20-10-20 for year-round growth and flowering.

TEMPERATURE

Warm-growing dendrobiums, so like nights of 60-65 degrees F. and days of 70-85 degrees F.

BLOOMS

The bloom sprays appear from the top of the canes when mature and usually have from 5-20 flowers that last from one to three months.

Some are scented.

When the blooms are done, cut the sprays just where they meet the canes.

Canes have the potential of producing several sprays from the upper leaf axils.

REPOTTING

Repotting should be done only as the mix breaks down (every 2 to 3 years) or as the plant outgrows the pot(when the canes start growing out over the edge of the pot). They can be divided when large, leaving three canes per division.