The Dendrobium is a large family of the Orchidaceae and a prevalent type of ornamental plant. Dendrobiums have upright stems and fleshy, thick leaves.

They have beautiful flowers and are firm yet gentle and amiable, making them the designated flower for Father's Day in many countries. With Father's Day approaching, giving your father a pot of Dendrobiums you planted yourself is meaningful.

Today, let's learn about planting and caring for Dendrobiums. As many species of Dendrobiums have varying habits, the care methods provided here are more general. Some less common Dendrobiums may require adjustments accordingly.

1. Soil:

Dendrobiums are epiphytic plants and cannot be directly planted in soil. They need to be planted in loose and well-draining medium, a mixture of sphagnum moss, bark, and charcoal.

2. Fertilization:

During the growing season, Dendrobiums should be fertilized with foliar fertilizer 1-2 times a month or solid compound fertilizer every 2-3 months. When fertilizing, using a diluted solution rather than concentrated fertilizer is essential.

3. Watering:

Watering Dendrobiums should keep the potting medium moist but not soggy. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. During hot seasons, ensure an ample water supply, and mist the plants 1-2 times a day to maintain humidity without saturating the medium.

4. Humidity:

Dendrobiums prefer a humid environment. Apart from watering every 5-6 days, mist around the plants daily to maintain the air humidity at around 80%. This is particularly important in summer to avoid dryness.

5. Temperature:

Dendrobiums thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 15-28°C. They also require a significant day-night temperature difference, as too small a difference can affect their growth and flowering.

Generally, they are not cold-tolerant and should be moved to warmer locations in winter, with temperatures above five °C (some varieties require temperatures above ten °C) to prevent frost damage. Some high-altitude Dendrobiums from more relaxed environments may also be sensitive to high temperatures and require adjustments.

6. Light:

Dendrobiums should be protected from direct sunlight.

Please place them in a bright indoor location, such as a living room or near a north-facing window, preferably suspended. In spring and summer, provide shade, covering about 60%-70% of the light. However, they require more light in winter and may not need shading, or only about 20%-30% shading.

Apart from ornamental potted plants, Dendrobiums are often used in artistic flower arrangements. Their long, graceful stems and beautiful colors, coupled with their strong affinity, can complement various other flowers, showcasing harmony and coordination.

Appraising them carefully can evoke an incredible feeling of "delicate smiles and charming gazes." Dendrobiums are cultivated widely in many countries worldwide, with Thailand being the largest producer, earning them the nickname "Thai orchids." Airlines in Thailand often present passengers with a Dendrobium, adding a touch of elegance to the experience.