Dendrobium Falcon Star gx

<em>Dendrobium</em> Falcon Star gx Valeria Valkova
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A medium-sized tropical orchid with long, upright, cane-like stems (pseudobulbs), 30-50cm tall, covered with thin, papery sheaths that turn silvery/grey as the stems mature. Dark green, firm, lance-shaped leaves, 10-12cm long and 3cm wide are alternately arranged near the tips of the stems. Short, arching flowering stems appear from axils of leaves and mature canes in spring. Each stem carries up to twenty yellow, occasionaly pale cream flowers with dark brown or red spots

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plants are best grown in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with addition of sustainably sourced 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 dappled shade and higher humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, but cool room in autumn and winter. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and 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