Watering Dendrobium Phalaenopsis: A Guide?

Dendrobium orchids are easy to care for, even for beginners, as they prefer warm to hot temperatures, bright light, and ample watering during active growth. They can rebloom up to three times a year when watering is slightly decreased during fall and winter.

To maintain the plant, water them weekly and let the top layer of soil dry between waterings. Use a diluted orchid fertilizer once a week, maintain a humidity level of at least 50, and prune the orchid’s blooms to promote regrowth. Some species of dendrobium orchids have water-storing pseudobulbs, meaning they can go 2 weeks.

For Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, it is essential to water them once every seven to nine days, letting the potting mix dry completely between waterings. Watering should be done sparingly and resting the plant, with rainwater being preferred. The plant should be watered well from the top and left to drain.

Fertilize the orchidee by watering it less in the fall and winter, and gradually more as temperatures rise. For optimal growth, water the orchid once every seven to nine days, ensuring the soil is almost dry before watering again.

In summary, Dendrobium orchids require regular watering, a diluted orchid fertilizer, and proper potting media. They thrive in warm to hot temperatures, bright light, and ample watering, making them an ideal choice for beginners.


📹 How to grow Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids successfully | Complete care guide

Today, as promised, we are talking about the care and culture of the Dendrobium Phalaenopsis type orchid! ▽▽▽More info …


Can Dendrobium orchids be submerged in water?

Orchids can be submerged in water for various durations, depending on their growth and health. Some growers leave them submerged for weekly or biweekly water changes, while others soak them for two days and allow them to dry for five days. Observe the plant’s growth and health, and if it declines, adjust the wet and dry rotation. If the orchid continues to deteriorate, consider repotting in a traditional bark mix.

To fertilize water culture orchids, change the water regularly, ideally weekly, with a specialist orchid fertilizer diluted to a quarter of the recommended strength. If the orchid doesn’t rebloom regularly, fertilize the water with kelp once a month.

Is it better to mist or water orchids?

Tropical orchids flourish in warm, humid environments; however, excessive irrigation during the winter months can prove detrimental to their health. To obviate this issue, it is recommended that a mister or spray bottle be utilized to provide the requisite moisture. The roots of orchids are adapted to absorb moisture and nutrients from cloud and mist, making misting an effective method for nourishing and hydrating them even during cooler seasons. It is imperative to avoid over-watering and misting in order to ensure optimal orchid care.

Do Dendrobium orchids like full sun?
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Do Dendrobium orchids like full sun?

Dendrobium orchids thrive in bright, indirect light, but too much direct sunlight can burn their delicate petals and leaves. Grow lights can help mitigate this issue. Dendrobiums are drought-tolerant due to their pseudobulbs, which act as water storage for the plant. However, proper watering is crucial for their blooms to survive dry spells.

Soil is also essential for dendrobiums to thrive. They grow on the sides of trees and bark material in the wild. For houseplant enthusiasts, they can be grown in a personalized potting mix or mounted on a piece of wood or cork. It is important to note the type of bark and/or moss mixture your orchid comes in, as it will be used to this environment when transitioning it out of its nursery pot.

What triggers phalaenopsis to bloom?
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What triggers phalaenopsis to bloom?

Orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Phalaenopsis are more forgiving in this respect, but a reluctant plant can usually be coaxed into bloom more easily if it’s grown where nights are cool. To ensure the best growth of orchids, provide cool nights, never let them dry out, and use a weak fertilizer every time you water.

Tips from the American Orchid Society include growing both phalaenopsis and dendrobiums inside, in orchid bark mix, never let them dry out, and using a weak fertilizer. Be patient with the blooms, as they may not bloom all the time, but when they do, it’s like someone just gave birth.

To grow phalaenopsis, join the American Orchid Society and get all the information and support you need to grow every orchid imaginable. Use a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and a touch of potting soil, and water when dry.

Other tips include rescuing a phalaenopsis from a grocery store, repotted it in a larger container with good-quality bark, and watering it once or twice a week with a very weak orchid fertilizer solution. For a sturdiest, healthiest houseplant, put the pot in an old fish bowl with stones in the bottom and ensure that the pot stays where it is placed.

In summary, orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Provide cool nights, use a weak fertilizer, and be patient with the blooms.

Can you spray water on a Phalaenopsis orchid?

Misting can be used for watering orchids, but it is ineffective when used as the sole source of water. Consistent misting of the plants several times daily is necessary for proper growth. Indoor orchids need a careful watering routine to prevent overwatering, which is the biggest killer of them. Misting the plants enough is not an efficient way of watering, as it is not enough to provide the right amount of water for their growth. It is crucial to be consistent and sparing with water, especially during their dormant period.

Should I mist my Dendrobium orchid?

Orchids thrive in humid conditions due to their tropical nature. To maintain their humid home, misting them with a spray bottle is an easy way to recreate their humid environment. Despite their popularity, orchids are known for their distinctive beauty and hardiness. However, with proper care, they can last for years. The right level of light, location, and humidity are crucial for orchids. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause sunburn, and monitor them closely to avoid scorching their leaves. Maintain a constant temperature room, away from fruit, drafts, and indirect sunlight. This guide will help you keep your orchids thriving and provide guidance on different types of orchids.

How to tell if an orchid needs water?
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How to tell if an orchid needs water?

Orchids are a popular and beautiful plant that require proper watering. They are characterized by their green color, soggy and brown appearance, and grey or white color, indicating a need for more water. They are known for their distinctive appearance and beauty, but they can be difficult to care for. However, with proper care, orchids can last for years. The right level of light, location, and humidity are crucial for orchids.

Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause sunburn, and monitor them closely to avoid scorching leaves. A room with a constant temperature, away from fruit, drafts, and indirect sunlight is ideal for orchid care.

What is the best way to water Dendrobium orchids?
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What is the best way to water Dendrobium orchids?

To water evergreen orchids, place them in a sink or container of lukewarm water, allowing the water to rise up from the bottom and saturate the roots. Leave the plants for several hours or overnight, and water them weekly. Spray the leaves with a fine water mist while watering. Feeding should be kept to a minimum and stepped up only once new growth or flower shoots appear.

Native wild orchids, which are rare, endangered, or in serious decline due to their natural habitat destruction, cannot survive being dug up and moved to gardens, greenhouses, or window ledges. It is illegal to dig up any wild plants without the landowner’s consent under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Sue Parker’s latest ebook, Wild Orchids in The Burren, provides more details on this topic.

What is the best way to water Phalaenopsis orchids?

To ensure proper watering for your orchid, use a small amount of water, no more than ¼ cup, to avoid overwatering and root rot. If using water, place ice cubes on top of the potting media under the leaves, waiting for some to melt before adding more. Avoid placing ice on the crown of the plant. If water is preferred, use ¼ cup for a full-sized orchid and 1½ tablespoons for a mini orchid. Empty any excess water from the bottom of the pot. The size of the ice cubes doesn’t matter, as long as it measures to about ¼ cup of water when melted, your orchid will receive enough hydration.

How do I get my Dendrobium Phalaenopsis to bloom?

To maintain dendrobium orchids, maintain daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F, with a nighttime drop of 10°F. Some types require a winter rest period at 55°F for reblooming. Maintain a humidity level between 50 and 70, with a minimum of 45. Regularly feed the orchid with a balanced fertilizer, following label instructions, and reduce the fertilizer by half at the end of the growing season.

How often should I water Dendrobium kingianum?
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How often should I water Dendrobium kingianum?

The Royal Horticultural Society awarded the orchid a Garden Merit Award. This plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and thrives in an open medium with ample light, fresh air, and good humidity. Watering is recommended in spring and summer when compost starts to dry out, and in winter, reduce watering and allow a 4-week period of daytime temperature around 46°F (8°C) to encourage flowering. Regular feeding is recommended during growth.

The orchid is disease-free and native to eastern Australia. To rebloom, increase light if the plant is healthy but not producing flowers in a reasonable time. The description of these plants is based on various external sources.


📹 Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid Care Indoors for Beginners

00:00: Intro 1:00 Why I like Growing Den Phals Indoors 1:31 How Den Phals Differ 3:03 Growth Pattern 3:20 Temperatures …


Watering Dendrobium Phalaenopsis: A Guide
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

20 comments

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  • I Rescued a reduced sad looking Dendrobium and with your help after perusal lots of your articles I identified it and now know how to care for it, it had been neglected at the garden centre where I was buying orchid potting medium for my Phals Keiki’s, again I’d watched your great demonstrations on phal care and separating keiki’s. Thank you.

  • Thankyou for this article. So helpful, I now feel I can grow my 3 that I’ve just bought well as I’ve got the hang of growing cats they are now doing well ( with your help) I live in qld Australia it’s now autumn here teps are around 28° day time & 20° at night. My cats are on my porch & growing well so my dens will join them. Please keep those articles coming, I look forward to perusal them all love your birds & the fish also. Always tell people to watch your articles. Thankyou Danny.

  • I’ve recently found your website and I have to say I love all your articles! You are so knowledgeable about orchids. And your articles are NOT boring, you move along and give a lot of information on whatever orchid you are discussing. I’ve been growing the phalans….for several years but am now branching out into the cattleyas and others and you have helped tremendously!! Thank you for your expertise!

  • In temperate climates, when you buy one from a greenhouse, they can stall for a year before making a new pseudobulb. Just always keep them over 15°C, West or South window, water when dry, and they will eventually make a new cane. Once adapted to temperate indoor, they do great. Also, CAREFULL. Producers often burry the canes when they pot them for sale to give the canes stability. You need to repot them, or at least “dig out” substrate so the base of the canes is at the surface of the medium, otherwise the “eyes” for new pseudobulbs, or new pseudobulbs starting, will rot in the substrate. Stake them for stability. Don’t burry the canes. That last advice also applies for “Nobile type” Dendrobiums.

  • Wonderful article…I just ran across some DenPhals at my Kroger’s. First time I have ever seen them offered, it’s always been Phals. I had to watch your article how to tell the difference. So now that I know, I will be able to grow them really well in my house. I think the large pink bloomed one has a slight fragrance. I also bought a small purple bloomed DenPhal. I think I’m going to go back and get a white one..yours is really pretty. At 25% off..I pay $8.99. Can’t beat that..and if it doesn’t work out for whatever reason. I’m not out too much. Really glad I don’t have to over winter these. I ordered a Dendrobium kingianum..still not sure how to over winter it. I have watched countless articles..It seems kind of young. I might skip it this year. IDK. Thanks for the info!!

  • I just rescued my first Dendrobium orchid from the clearance rack at Lowe’s. At a price of $8.00 due to the pot being shattered (I fixed it up. A lovely glazed clay/terracotta pot that was created with air holes) the flower spike is spent, and some, not all of the leaves are yellow. The root system looks great, and so do the canes! However I will be quarantining it from my other plants as should always be done.

  • Appreciate that you took the time to make this article. I have been experimenting with my den-phals. Used to be able to grow them attached to trees (in s. FL USA), but that yard must have had different growing conditions than my current yard. So, since they were looking really bad (getting dehydrated) I removed them from the trees and have started repotting them. I’ll let you know if they improve. My nobiles are in the same location in the yard – attached to the trees. They are thriving. Perhaps the difference is that the nobiles were mounted to the trees in the spring and had a chance to get their roots healthy before the fall. Agree with you on the temps for these orchids. Thanks for such a helpful article.

  • I bought two of these two years ago – they’ve really taken off since I repotted in bark. The one that was in coconut husk did ok but didn’t really thrive, but the one in spaghnum moss did really badly. Both are doing brilliantly now they are in bark – I think the moss & coconut husk is too slow to dry out for the UK – they hardly ever needed watering in that medium, so of course, didn’t get fed much either.

  • Hi, I have several denphals doing really great in South Florida. I love you tutorial but would like to ask for your opinion on one issue that was not covered. The old, dry-looking stems. I do know that they contain nutrients and water and should not be cut. But some of them are several years old and are “stuck” in their dry state without leaves or any growth. So, the question is : at what point is it ok to remove/cut them? I could enclose pictures if that would be helpful. Love your website, wishing you all the best!

  • Thanks Dani! Always learn so much from your articles. I just purchased a couple of dendrobiums with buds over a week ago but I am not seeing any blooming flowers. I live in the Caribbean and keep the orchids in the shade on my veranda. I’ve soaked them in fertilizer and water twice for 10 minutes each time. Any idea how long it takes to see buds open? Am I doing something wrong?🤔

  • If you want to get these denphals for cheap. Like really reallly cheap. Just come to India a riot, a spectrum, a truckload of different colors are to be found and the are so damn cheap for their size. Like big blooming ones are for 600 ruppes(7euro) for four. Last year i got 15 medium sized ones for 1500 (18euros) only!!!!!!. And they are found pretty much all year round in the Northeast (from where i am) and the South . Please do come here for cheap orchids. You people will love it. And these are amazingly easy to grow so i have 21 of these alone! Oishanu, With lots of love from Assam😙

  • Hi Danni, I love your articles! ❤ I just bought Dendronium seedlings. These are my first time with these types of orchids. I live in Boston which is currently freezing and we don’t get much sunlight. I have managed the temperature and have bought artificial plant lights for my seedlings. Unfortunately, I haven’t found information online about the number of hours of artificial lights these orchids require. Can you help me out? What is the amount of hours of artificial lights do you recommend for the Dendrobium seedlings? Thanks a million! 😊😊

  • Hello Dani, I started collecting about a year now, but I have had den phals since Feb of this year. I live in the Caribbean and grow my dens on a warm balcony. My den phals have been growing growing growing very very well. I am a bit concerned though that none of my den phals have bloomed yet as they have kept growing and sending out new canes the moment the existing growing cane matures. Can a mature cane bloom even if a cane is still growing on the same plant? What are the blooming months for these types of orchids?

  • Hi, thank you for all your info. Interesting, Im in Florida, so I guess similar temperature to you. I’ve just picked up some new dendr phals from orchid nursery and they have them in sphagnum moss. They are in bloom and look great now. Would you suggest to repot them in bark after blooming? Thank you

  • So does these plants need constant watering/watered- is that why you put a wick inside the pot? Do they like being constantly wet? Cause I was given a cutting and I’ve got in in a glass vase with water, and new roots are growing- but I’m noticing some are browning- is that normal or should I put in bark medium?

  • My canes lost all their leaves after blooming, didn’t have many to start with when they were given to me at Christmas in bloom. A year later and they have a lot of new growth from the bottom and one of the new canes bloomed, but still no new leaves on the old, bare canes. I cut off the driest-looking one and surprisingly it was green inside. Will they ever grow new leaves.

  • Would you know why the leaves on my oncidium twinkle are turning yellow and eventually browning and falling off? It has tons of roots and tons of pseudobulbs and 5-6 new growths, the only problem is the leaves. I’ve been told everything from too much light to under fertilized to over fertilized. The yellowing usually starts at the tip of the leaf or the center and spreads out/down.

  • Den Phal hybrids can be fragrant, but these usually have shorter lived blooms and don’t “look” like Den Phals. My absolute favorite is Jaquelyn Thomas (gouldii x biggibum). It is a beast of a plant but the blooms are lovely, last a decent amount of time (about 3 weeks) and have a lovely fragrance. I love it enough to have two of the ‘Unawai Supreme’ (blue and white) clone and one of the ‘Unawai Mist’ (white).

  • I love these and have a few but for about a year some of them have a horrible leaf spotty disease. I tried spraying them with fungicide and, as nothing worked, i tried submerging whole plants in bleach solution but they still have the same disease which destroys the leaves. Does anyone have any idea what it might be? In the UK by the way. I really enjoy your articles Nicole. 😊

  • I know nothing about den phals, except that now I know the name. Lol. I’m nurturing a bunch of cattleya and dendrobium anosmum babies right now. I need to see how they go before I add another kind of orchid. Currently, are chugging along while I spend too much time propagating houseplants just because I can. Stop me before I prop again!