Growing Guide

Softcane Dendrobiums

SOFTCANE CULTURE

Softcane, or Nobile type Dendrobiums grow naturally in Northern India &Thailand at elevations up to 1500 metres in the foothills of the Himalayanmountains.

Temperature

These species and their hybrids are hardy plants that will tolerate temperatures from 3 degrees centigrade to temperatures in the high thirties.They are easy plants to grow providing some basic rules are followed.Watering & Fertilising. To grow softcane dendrobiums well, different seasonal treatment is required. After flowering in October, increase watering &gradually increase fertiliser. Soluble ‘flower-booster’ fertiliser at the recommended strength on the packet is preferred. By November when new growths are 100mm or more high, water plants every second day and include fertiliser at least once per week. Maintain this treatment until new growths are nearly mature, say February or March. Reduce water & fertiliser so that by April, plants are receiving no nitrogen fertiliser at all. Water sparingly, just enough to prevent bulbs from shrivelling, until plants flower in Spring.

Den. Nobile compost.

Plants should be grown in a well drained medium. Pots should be as small as possible andavoid over potting. Repot soon after flowering and before new growths start to develop roots. Cover theplants with 30-50% shade in Summer to prevent burn to new growths, however, flowering will beenhanced if plants are given full or near full sun during Winter.

Softcane dendrobiums are easy orchids to grow provided they are given plenty of water & fertiliser in Summer, but in Winter give them no nitrogen fertiliser, little water & plenty of light.