Dendrobium lindleyi
A small-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid. Upright, clump-forming stems (pseudobulbs) are spindle-shaped, up to 10cm long and bears one leathery, dark-green, 7-8cm long leaf. Pendant flowering stems 15-20cm long emerge from the nodes of leafed or leafless stems and carry 5 to 15, well-spaced, fragrant flowers. Each flower is 2.5-5cm large, bright yellow, usually with darker yellow or orange centre.
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 Orange | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Yellow Orange | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- 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
- Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a basket 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. Re-pot before the potting mix starts to decompose, ideally in spring when the new growth appears. For best results in cultivation, temperatures should drop at least 10-14°C at night time. Provide indirect light and high humidity by misting regularly in spring and summer. Ensure that roots dry-out between the waterings, especially in winter. 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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