Care of NOBILE DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS

G&B ORCHID Laboratory & Nursery, Inc. 2426 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084 -- Fax: (760) 727-0017 Ph: (760) 727-2611 or (760) 727-9466 -- Toll Free: (888) 727-2760

POTTING: Use a potting medium that gives excellent drainage, yet retains some moisture; fine fir bark, or fir bark used in combination with perlite is good; a commercially prepared cymbidium mix is also fine. To maintain good drainage, repot in fresh medium every 2-3 years, in spring right after blooming. When repotting, pot size should be just large enough to accomodate 2 years more growth; no larger.

WATERING: Keep plants well watered during warm weather, in periods of active growth; potting medium should never be allowed to completely dry out, but do not keep the plants constantly wet, either. Gradually reduce water in fall as temperatures decrease; when the lowest night temperatures reach about 50 degrees F., water only enough to keep canes from shriveling, about 2 or 3 times per month; then, as lowest night temperatures go down to about 40 degrees F., keep plants nearly dry. As temperatures rise again in spring, resume more frequent watering.

FERTILIZING: For blooming-sized dendrobiums, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer during periods of new green growth - Spring through early August. Ferilizer given at other times, or use of regular nitrogen formulas, will inhibit bloom.

LIGHT & LOCATION: Good light is necessary for good flower production. Grow in an area suited for cymbidiums; with good morning light, perhaps under the light shade of a tree in the garden to protect the plants from the hot afternoon sun inland. Dendrobiums may also be grown in the greenhouse, although they require a one-month period of low night temperatures in the fall to begin their blooming cycle; plants grown in a greenhouse should therefore be moved outside in the early fall, to provide the necessary chilling. Move them back inside before temperatures drop much below 40 degrees F.

COPYRIGHT © Barry Cohen     Copies for individual use is permitted. For other use please obtain permission from G&B; ORCHID