Care of Dendrobium Nobile Orchid

Dendrobium nobile orchids (nobile means "noble" or "showy" in Latin, so this species is named "the showy dendrobium") are native to southeast Asia and the Himalayas. They are grown for their spectacular display of multicolored, fragrant flowers produced in late winter or early spring. A large plant may have as many as 100 flowers at a time, and they last for two to three months. These dendrobiums have quite specific care requirements, and they require different care in different seasons.

Growing Season–March to August

• Because they grow flower buds in fall and bloom in winter, nobile orchids need to recover in the spring and summer. Give them lower light (bright indirect light is good), lots of water and regular fertilizer during this season. Depending on the size of the pot and the temperature, they may need water every day. They should be watered in the morning, preferably with distilled water or rainwater, and fertilized every two to three weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer, preferably one formulated to work with distilled water. Use 20-20-20 (or a similar balanced fertilizer), dissolving 1 tsp. in 1 gallon of water.

  Nobiles do best when there is at least a 10-degree difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. You might be able to achieve this more easily by putting plants outdoors or on a porch at this time of year.

Fall–Flower Buds Form

• Stop fertilizing nobiles at the end of August to promote flower bud formation. Over-fertilizing will produce more foliage growth but few flowers. Move plants to a sunnier spot and reduce watering to once a week, just enough to keep plants from shriveling.

  Cooler temperatures and a 10-degree differential between daytime and nighttime temperatures will promote formation of flower buds. Try to keep plants below 60 degrees at night. Put nobiles outdoors (bring them in before freezing), in an unheated room or even in the refrigerator at night to achieve the necessary cool conditions. In cool temperatures like this, overwatering can be lethal, resulting in fungus problems and rot. Water sparingly.

Winter–Bloom time

• Flower buds develop over about three months, produced along the sides of the canes, usually opposite the leaf axils. When you see flowers, increase watering to every three to five days. Flowers usually open in January or February and should last for two to three months. Protection from direct sunlight will prolong bloom. Resume fertilizing, reduce light and increase watering only in March, after the flowers are done.

Repotting

• Orchids in general like to be root-bound, so keep them in a rather small pot. Repot only about every two years into a slightly larger pot, using standard orchid potting mix or sphagnum moss.