The Dendrobium densiflorum is part of the Dendrobium genus, one of the largest orchid genera.
It is native to Asia, growing in forests between 1100 to 1830 meters (3609 to 5905,5 feet) above sea level.
Among the countries where it is native, the following stand out:
- China
- Himalayas
- Nepal
- Bhutan
The densiflorum is an epiphytic orchid and in some cases can also be found as a lithophyte.
If you want to learn more about this plant, keep reading.
How to Care for Dendrobium Densiflorum
This is an orchid considered easy to cultivate.
So, if you are a beginner, don’t worry, you probably won’t have much trouble.
The Dendrobium densiflorum needs you to provide a few things for it to be healthy.
And these things are:
- Plant it in the right place
- Provide good humidity
- Water correctly
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Potting Mix
- Fertilization
So keep reading to learn more about these factors.
If you want to learn more about orchid cultivation, check out the article how to care for orchids.
Plant it in the right place:
If you place your plant in the right spot, it will develop much more easily.
Because this way, providing the other factors for its cultivation will be much easier
The densiflorum can be placed in:
- Plastic pots
- Terracotta
- Cache pots
- Wooden boards
- Trees
Provide the ideal humidity
These are orchids that live in more humid places.
Therefore, they like high humidity.
To keep your orchid healthy, make sure the humidity is above 50%.
But be very careful not to overdo it.
Very high humidity can also bring problems to your plant.
Water correctly
These dendrobiums like a lot of water.
Usually, you will water more frequently in summer and increase the intervals between waterings in winter.
To check if it’s time to water your plant, check its potting mix this way.
- Stick your finger into the middle of the potting mix.
- See if it’s moist
- If it is, water it; if not, wait another day
Temperature
Just like the vast majority of dendrobiums, densiflorum likes more temperate climates.
That is, if you provide an average temperature for your plant, it will do well.
A temperature between 20 and 26°C (68 and 79°F) during the day is ideal.
And at night, provide a temperature drop for your orchid to bloom.
Lighting
Lighting is the main requirement for good flowering.
If you don’t provide the ideal lighting, your orchid may not bloom.
The Dendrobium densiflorum likes a lot of light.
Depending on your region, you can leave it in direct sunlight during the weaker morning period (until 09:00).
After that, place it in indirect light.
To know if you are providing good lighting for your plant, check these signs:
- Leaves with a darker tone indicate that your plant needs more sun.
- Yellow or burnt leaves, in this case, your plant needs less sun.
Potting Mix
In this orchid, the potting mix has some special functions.
The first is to anchor it in the pot, if you plant it in one, and in this case, they all adapt.
The second is that it must offer good drainage.
So, some of the potting mixes I recommend are:
- Coconut fiber
- Charcoal
- Gravel
- Pine bark
And if you want, you can mix these potting mixes.
Fertilization
And finally, fertilization.
The vast majority of orchids need fertilizers because in gardens, houses, or apartments, they cannot acquire nutrients naturally.
Because in nature their nutrients come from organic compounds, such as tree leaves.
The densiflorum is a plant that will need good fertilization.
Using a balanced NPK is a great option, such as NPK 19-19-19.
Apply weekly with 1/2 of the recommended strength.
And if you prefer, you can also use organic fertilizers.
Flowers
Now let’s learn a little more about this plant’s flowers.
The densiflorum is an orchid of great beauty and this is especially due to its flowers.
It produces up to 50 flowers.
Each one is on average 3 to 5 centimeters (1.18 to 1.97 inches) in diameter.
And as they appear very close to each other, they form very beautiful flower clusters.
Some characteristics of its flowers are:
- Yellow with an orange lip
- Fragrant
- Last between 5 to 7 days.
Its flowering occurs in March or April.
NOTE: if your orchid is already large, use a tutor to keep it upright.
About
Now let’s see some curiosities about this orchid.
It is visually very similar to dendrobium thyrsiflorum.
Its main differences are:
- Densiflorum: square stem, larger leaves.
- Thyrsiflorum: round stem, smaller flowers.
The densiflorum was discovered by John Lindley in 1829 and its name means densely flowered.
It is a medium-sized plant, ranging from 30 to 50 centimeters (11.8 to 19.7 inches) in height.
In addition, it is also called callista densiflora.
Conclusion
The Dendrobium densiflorum is a magnificent orchid.
It is very beautiful and also easy to grow, and if you are thinking of having an orchid, this is a great option.
Now if you want to learn more about the main species of dendrobium, you can access some of the articles below:
And if you liked this article, share it on your social networks and leave your comment below.
