How to cultivate sturdy Dendrobium spectabile
Compared to the knowledge most people have about how to cultivate sturdy Dendrobium spectabile and the introduction of cultivation methods, detailed content will be shared next.
If there is little sunlight at home but a preference for flowering plants, what should be cultivated? Blue Demon recommends trying Dendrobium spectabile. It not only tolerates shade but also has beautiful flowers with a blooming period of up to 40 days, and it is easy to care for.
Techniques for caring for Dendrobium spectabile
Dendrobium spectabile is an orchid, a species of Phalaenopsis, mainly used for ornamental purposes and not for consumption. When flowering, the flowers are very unique, with white petals and purple-red edges, stunningly beautiful. In most regions, Dendrobium spectabile blooms once a year, with a single flower period lasting 30-40 days. In warm areas such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan, it can bloom continuously throughout the year. To make Dendrobium spectabile grow well and bloom more, the following points need to be noted during care.
1. Suitable planting material
To cultivate Dendrobium spectabile well, the planting material is the most important. It requires well-drained soil that can remain moist but not wet for an extended period. Generally, special orchid soil is used, or a mixture of fermented pine bark and a small amount of sphagnum moss is used, which ensures good aeration and prevents waterlogging.
2. Reasonable watering and fertilizing
Abundant fertilizer and water are essential for the healthy growth of Dendrobium spectabile. During routine care, a water-soluble growth fertilizer can be applied every 15 days, combined with watering. After the flower spike appears, switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. A small amount of slow-release fertilizer can also be scattered around the pot. The slow-release fertilizer has a relatively long-lasting effect, providing nutrients continuously to Dendrobium spectabile and is less likely to burn the seedlings.
Dendrobium spectabile prefers a humid environment. In the summer, it needs to be watered every 2-3 days, and each watering should be thorough. After watering, place Dendrobium spectabile in a well-ventilated area to drain excess moisture from the potting soil. In winter, water when the top 2cm of the potting mix dries out.
3. Suitable lighting
Dendrobium spectabile does not require much light, being shade-tolerant but not tolerant to strong light. It can be placed in a bright area with diffused light or on the east-facing balcony to receive gentle direct sunlight in the morning. However, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight in the summer, as it can easily sunburn the leaves, even causing them to wither.
4. Relatively warm environment
The survival temperature range for Dendrobium spectabile is between 5-40 degrees Celsius. It has general cold resistance and prefers a warm and humid environment, so it is still necessary to keep warm in winter to avoid frost damage.
5. Pruning considerations
Dendrobium spectabile does not require much pruning, usually only pruning the withered flowers. The old branches of Dendrobium spectabile usually bloom less or not at all, but with sufficient fertilizer and water, the old branches often produce flower spikes or high-position buds. Therefore, it is recommended not to prune the old branches. Even if they don't bloom, they will wither on their own after the nutrients are recycled, and it's better to cut them off when they are dry.
The above is the specific content on how to cultivate sturdy Dendrobium spectabile and the introduction of its cultivation methods, for everyone's reference and operation.