Dendrobium Nobile Orchid: Care, Repotting, and Propagation

The botanical world is rich in plant varieties, and Dendrobium nobile is in high demand. This perennial plant belongs to the herbaceous orchid family. The orchid has a second name: Dendrobium nobile. Thanks to the work of Japanese and Dutch breeders, hybrids adapted to indoor cultivation have been created. They differ from the original species in their vibrant flower colors and lush, large inflorescences.

External characteristics

Class: Monocotyledons, Subfamily: Epidendrates. This orchid type is listed in the register of rare species. In its natural habitat, it grows in Thailand at altitudes of 600-1500 meters above sea level, which characterizes Nobile as a plant that prefers moist summer air. During winter, it thrives in areas with dry air and relatively cool temperatures.
It can be found in India, China, and Vietnam. Dendrobium grows in small quantities in Laos, Nepal, and the Himalayas.

Buds can be:

• purple, complemented by yellow spots on the surface of the petals;
• pink;
• white, can be complemented by lilac coloring of the tips of the petals;
• red.

The stem is cylindrical, thickened at the base. The trunk is straight, fleshy, and has a glossy green sheen. The foliage is broad and green.

Each inflorescence contains one to three flowers. The number depends on the age and variety of the dendrobium. A single stem typically bears 50-70 flowers, each 5 to 9 cm in diameter. The petals are ovoid and set against a background of elongated, long sepals.

The Dendrobium Nobile flower is unique in its appearance. Its popularity explains its widespread use in home gardens. Here's a list of things to know when purchasing a plant from a nursery or private grower:

1. When purchasing a mature plant, the buyer receives a beautiful blooming orchid, free of fallen leaves, and without shedding its blooms. This perception is partly false and is explained by the use of growth-promoting products;
2. Dendrobium Nobile grows indoors, but requires attention and care from the moment it is delivered from the nursery.

Home care

When you bring a new orchid into your home, whether it's an original species or a hybrid (Dendrobium nobile 'songbird', Dendrobium nobile 'kumiko'), you take on the responsibility of caring for the plant. Caring for the plant involves the following steps:

1. Growing Features. Hybrids, like the original plant, have a life cycle that corresponds to the seasons. Orchid cultivation is unique in each of the four periods and requires specific environmental conditions.
2. Lighting and flower location. Orchid flowers require 12 hours of sunlight. A unique feature of this type of cultivation is the avoidance of direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to display potted plants on the west or east side of the house. If Nobile must be placed on the south side of the house, a system of curtains or blinds should be considered. This is done to prevent sunburn. The correct location is determined by the leaves. Darkening foliage indicates insufficient light, while lighter leaves indicate the risk of sunburn.
3. Temperature. Temperatures depend on the season and ambient humidity. In the summer months, a comfortable temperature range is between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius. In winter, temperatures should be reduced to 19 degrees Celsius. Temperature influences flowering. To stimulate flowering, an artificial temperature fluctuation of 6-8 degrees Celsius should be created between day and night.
4. Watering Dendrobium Nobile. The timing and intensity of watering are determined by the indoor microclimate. This affects the rate of substrate breakdown. In summer, when humidity is low, Dendrobium may require watering 2 to 3 times every 7 days. In the spring and fall months, with rising humidity, the plant's water intake decreases. One watering is sufficient for one and a half to two weeks. According to experts, watering should be reduced between flowering periods. Use filtered, soft water at room temperature. In rare cases, use boiled water. This can be done using the traditional method (adding liquid to the tray) or by placing the plant pot in a bowl of water.
5. Humidity. This is one of the most important aspects of orchid cultivation. Nobile orchids prefer air humidity of 40-50%. To maintain the desired humidity, use misting and damp stones placed on the flowerpot tray.
6. Soil. Transplanting a mature plant into its new home is an important step. Use a special soil for this purpose. If necessary, you can make your own soil for Dendrobium nobile. It's based on pine bark, which is added to the soil. Add charcoal to improve drainage and prevent disease.
7. Repotting and choosing a pot for Dendrobium Nobile. Repotting with roots is rare. The first time should be done 1-1.5 years after purchasing the plant. Subsequent repotting should be done every 3-4 years if necessary (for example, if the pot has become too small for the developed root system, the substrate has deteriorated, or if there is a root disease).
8. Fertilizer. Liquid preparations have been developed for soil fertilization. Fertilizer can be applied by foliar spraying at 1/5 the recommended dose, or added to the pot tray at 1/2 the recommended dose. During preparation for flowering, fertilizers with a high phosphorus content are recommended.
9. Pruning. Trimming should be done only after the orchid has finished flowering. Pruning can be done in two ways: partially shorten the flower stalk by 1-1.5 cm above the dormant bud, or cut it at the base, leaving a stub up to 3 cm high. Important! Use pruning shears for this procedure.
10. Dendrobium Nobile's dormant period and preparation for flowering. The dormant period is an important step. Move the orchid pot to a cool location with a temperature no higher than 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). Gradually stop watering and fertilizing. The flower returns to its normal conditions after the pseudobulbs have transformed into flower stalks.

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Care features and propagation methods

Care instructions during flowering:

1. Watering. Use warm water purified from impurities.
2. Provide sufficient lighting.
3. For feeding during flowering, use fertilizers with low nitrogen and high phosphorus content.

Dendrobium Nobile care is also necessary after flowering. A common question arises: what to do if the Dendrobium Nobile orchid has finished blooming? It is recommended to create favorable conditions for the plant to begin a dormant period, when the flower recovers its strength and prepares for new flowering and reproduction.

Once you've decided to breed plants, the question of propagation methods arises. There are several options:

1. Using "pups." This is the name given to the rosette that forms on the pseudobulb instead of a flower. It is recommended to give the "pups" time to develop. After separating from the mother shoot, allow two hours for the cut to "tighten." To do this, leave the rosette in the open air. Treat the cut with crushed activated charcoal. After treatment, plant the Dendrobium pups in the substrate. Covering the pot or planter with a plastic bag is recommended. This will help create greenhouse-like conditions.
2. Propagation by cuttings. Prepare the planting material as follows: take a leafless pseudobulb. Divide it into several pieces, each with 2 to 3 buds. Place the cuttings in a container with moss. The root system begins to form after 2.5 to 3 weeks. Repot once the roots have grown more than 5 cm in length. Propagation by cuttings is a long, complex process.
3. Mature bush. From a healthy mature plant, separate a shoot with new and old pseudobulbs. Leave the separated section in a cool, airy place for 24 hours. After 24 hours, transplant the plant into a growing medium to create a separate plant.
4. You can plant using a young pseudobulb. A pseudobulb that hasn't yet bloomed is suitable for forming planting material. Place it in a container on a moss substrate. For germination, place the container in a bright location with a temperature above 20 degrees Celsius. New plants will form within a month.

In addition to caring for and propagating the plant, you should know: How to protect a flower from disease.

Diseases and pests of Dendrobium nobile

Diseases affecting orchids can affect the leaves, buds, and the plant itself. Similar symptoms can mask different diseases:

1. The leaves are turning yellowDendrobium's lower foliage is prone to yellowing. This can be a natural process for a plant with a two-year foliage lifespan. Yellowing can also be caused by parasites. Brown spots may also appear. This indicates sunburn. To prevent this, avoid spraying the plant in direct sunlight.
2. My orchid isn't blooming for a long time. The problem may be due to a lack of sunlight (the flower needs to be exposed to light for 12 hours or more). Without the necessary resting period, it's difficult to get the orchid to bloom. Excess nitrogen fertilizers in the soil can also be the cause.
3. Flowers and buds are falling off. Aphids can cause the plant to reject the buds.

For the Dendrobium Nobile orchid, home care is aimed at preventing the occurrence of:

1. Thrips are small, winged insects that live on the underside of orchid leaves. Their food is the sap from the leaves.
2. Aphids. A common scourge for gardeners, they inhabit small leaves and flowers.
3. Scale insects. Characterized by the appearance of plaques on the surface of the foliage.
4. Spider mite. This parasite wraps the plant in a fine web.

To combat pests, use a plant shower. Treat with warm, pressurized water. If the infestation is extensive, pesticides are recommended.

During the winter, the plant thrives in a cool location with temperatures no higher than 19 degrees Celsius. Sufficient sunlight is essential to prevent the flower from becoming dormant.

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Reviews

Orchid growers leave reviews sharing their impressions.

Natalia, 28 years old.

I bought an orchid from a nursery, and after a lush bloom, it started dying. I had to buy some specialized literature and learn about the plant. I figured out how to care for it after flowering, and now this beauty is a joy for the whole family. We bought a hybrid variety with beautiful large red flowers. I'm delighted. I recommend everyone take a closer look at these orchids; it's a shame they don't come in blue.

Svetlana, 36 years old.

I first saw Nobile orchid while vacationing with my husband in India. Upon returning to the country, I immediately went to greenhouses, looking for ones that were as close to the original as possible. I found it. It blooms spreadingly, with numerous inflorescences. I have a white and purple orchid. It's similar to the original. This year I'm starting to propagate it. I tried propagating it from cuttings. Working with orchids is difficult, but fascinating.

Nadezhda, 39 years old.

I've been growing orchids for a long time. My collection includes many different varieties, and I recently started growing the Nobile orchid. Caring for and propagating it at home is a hobby for mothers and children. The Nobile orchid requires a break after flowering, otherwise it becomes moody and won't bloom. But I enjoy working with flowers. You put in the effort and get a beautiful bouquet.

Dendrobium nobile and its hybrids thrive in city apartments with proper care. Care should begin as soon as the plant arrives home.