Dendrobium lasianthera
A large-sized, tropical, epiphytic orchid with long, upright, cane-like stems. The stems (pseudobulbs) carry alternate, oval leaves, arranged along the nodes of the whole length of the stem. Upright or arching flowering stems up to 60cm long emerge from the nodes of mature leafed, or leaf-less stems and bear 10 to 30 flowers. The flowers are approximately 6cm large, waxy and long lasting. Petals and sepals are spirally twisted along the whole lenght. Petals are usually narrower and darker in colour. Centre of the flower is usually white or yellow, with purple lip.
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow Cream | White Yellow Pink Purple | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow Cream | White Yellow Pink Purple | Green | |
| Autumn | Green Yellow Cream | White Yellow Pink Purple | Green | |
| Winter | Green Yellow Cream | Green |
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
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- 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
- New Guinea
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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 are 25-30°C during day and 16-20°C at night time, with an amplitude of 8-10°C between day and night. 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.
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.
Get involved
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