Dendrobium dixanthum
A medium-sized, epiphytic, deciduous orchid with terete, cane-like, fleshy, green or brown stems, 30-40cm long. Each stem is covered with thin, leaf-bearing sheaths. Leaves are narrow, 8-11cm long and 1cm wide, bright green, later yellow before falling off in the autumn. Short, pendant flowering stems emerge from the upper nodes of mature canes and bear two to five flowers. The flowers are thin-textured, bright yellow, approximately 4cm large.
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 | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Pendulous weeping
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- China to Indo-China
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. It is best to stake each cane to keep the upright form when potted. If grown in a basket or mounted, the plant will naturally develop pendulous form. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide large amount of bright, but indirect light and 80 - 85% humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, cooler room in autumn and winter. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate new growth in spring. 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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