Dendrobium longicornu
A small-sized, epiphytic orchid with 30cm long, cane-like stems. The stems (pseudobulbs) are covered with thin, green, leaf-bearing sheath covered densely with short black hair. They are arranged alternately along the nodes on the stems, carrying semi-deciduous, lance-shaped leaves up to 7cm long and 1.4cm wide. Short flowering stems carry one to three, long-lasting, fragrant flowers. Each flower is 3-4cm across, white with yellow or orange veined lip.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White Yellow Orange | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright, Tufted
- Genus
Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves. Racemes or panicles of showy flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Himalayas to Myanmar, China, Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow potted in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide bright light conditions throughout the year. The average temperatures in summer are 25-30°C during day and 16-20°C at night time. Minimum growing temperatures in winter are 10-13°C. Plant requires frequent watering and relatively high humidity during spring and summer months and a slightly drier conditions in winter - reduce watering and feeding in October, but do not leave plant dry for long period of time. See indoor orchid cultivation
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes - remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are enough, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
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