DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS

Pronounced den-dro-bee-urn, andlso known as the Singapore Orchid. Dendrobiums are just one species of orchid. There are over 250,000 different orchid species and hybrids known. The most decorative have been bred for cut flower use.

This makes them the second largest orchid genus in the world after Bulbophyllum. The shape and form of their stems and leaves vary tremendously, but the pattern of flowers is fairly constant ranging in size from very small to huge. The orchids have sprays of 10-12 dainty flowers on slender stems, often like daffodils in shape and are available in creamy white, bright magenta purple, pink, green, red and some striped.

Dendrobiums come from South East Asia in an area that stretches from Northern India to the islands off the East coast of New Guinea and Australia to Polynesia. The latitude where they grow is important. The Equator runs through the middle of this territory and here it is always hot at sea level without any seasonal variation. However, the plants from north of the Tropic of Cancer and south of the Tropic of Capricorn are used to a much greater range of climate, with colder drier winters and warm wet summers.

Like most orchids they are very long-lasting both on the plant and once cut, looking fresh for up to three weeks or more. Faded flowers on the bottom of the stem can be removed to encourage upper buds to open.

Dendrobium orchids used to be considered exotic and extravagant but in recent years they have become much more widely available. They still ooze glamour and elegance, with just a couple of stems adding a sophisticated touch to a room.

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