How to Care for Butterfly Dendrobium Orchids
Today, I will provide a detailed explanation of the planting content of the orchid plant, Butterfly Dendrobium. How to care for Butterfly Dendrobium Orchids? Let's find out as I introduce to you.
Butterfly Dendrobium, also known as Autumn Dendrobium, is an epiphytic herbaceous plant of the Dendrobium genus in the Orchidaceae family. Many orchid enthusiasts are fond of Butterfly Dendrobium due to its easy blooming and maintenance. However, for beginners, it is very important to learn from the experiences of predecessors for subsequent care!
1. Soil
I have used many substrates, including orchid mix, coconut shell, sphagnum moss, and bark. Everyone has their own preferences, so choose according to your habits. I prefer a more relaxed approach, leaving them in a semi-open environment and enjoying watering. Therefore, I avoid using sphagnum moss. The current substrate I use (light stone + peanut shell + Emei Xian soil) is for semi-hydroponic planting. Medium-sized coconut shell is used directly for planting (it's cheaper than bark, has good moisture retention but doesn't accumulate water).
2. Environment
Autumn Dendrobium is easier to care for than spring Dendrobium. It prefers plenty of light but not direct sunlight. It's best to have it under tree shade where it can receive light but not too strong. The main thing to note is to provide shade in summer, and it can receive direct sunlight in other seasons. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves.
3. Temperature
The relatively high annual temperature in Foshan may be more suitable for it. It thrives at temperatures between 25-35°C, making it a tropical plant that enjoys a high-temperature environment. Growth slows down in winter, but it can survive smoothly if the temperature does not drop below 10°C.
4. Watering
Dendrobium species love water, but the roots should not be constantly wet. They should remain moist. You should feel the substrate is damp, but it doesn't release water when squeezed hard. This is the best state. Think of wild Dendrobiums that grow near waterfalls, so high humidity is also required and frequent misting is necessary. I previously installed a misting system to solve this humidity issue, but it attracted many unwanted guests (snails) due to the high humidity on the terrace. Last year, I experimented with semi-hydroponic planting with young seedlings and found that this created a small humid environment for the roots. I didn't need to water as frequently, and there were fewer snails. The Dendrobiums grew well too. So, I plan to switch the other seedlings to semi-hydroponic planting this year.
5. Fertilizing
Autumn Dendrobium enjoys fertilizer but is not tolerant of too much. My lazy approach is to use slow-release fertilizer. I previously used Ogreen, and recently discovered that Haokangduo is also good, so I plan to try it. (About 15 pellets per pot, depending on the size of the pot, just sprinkle on the surface.) Then, I spray foliar fertilizer every week (I alternate between Meileke Universal and Huaduo).
6. Pests
There are basically no pests, except for those damned snails. I previously didn't pay attention, and the environment was too damp, allowing the snails to thrive and target my Dendrobiums. Several pots of Dendrobium leaves and flower spikes were eaten clean.
The above is a detailed introduction on how to care for Butterfly Dendrobium Orchids. Did you get it?