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Step 1
Water your dendrobium often and heavily. Reduce the frequency as the orchid growth matures. Allow the dendrobium to dry out between watering. However the evergreens need slight drying between watering. Cut back the watering during fall and winter. Restart watering as the shoots and additional growth come to view at the end of winter or first sign of spring.
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Step 2
Keep the dendrobium in cool to intermediate temperatures (73 to 85 degrees) during cold months that start in fall. Yet, the dendrobium love the warm temperatures during the warmer months that start in spring. Evergreen types such as Phalaenopsis favor warm conditions (85 degrees). Night temperatures need to stay above 60 degrees.
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Step 3
Position the dendrobium in gradual shading until its new growth matures. When the orchid matures, give the plant all the light possible without burning the leaves. The cooler months facilitate and prepare the bulbs for the most favorable flowering. Also, brighter light and colder temperatures at night with less water encourages healthy orchids.
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Step 4
Keep the orchid in the same pot for many years. Change pots as little as possible. If you must change pots, do so when new growth comes to view. The foundation of the pot needs to be compact. Placing smaller pots in larger pots if the plant becomes top-heavy will help support the plant as it grows. Stakes work effectively in adding support to the stem.
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Step 5
Place gravel, broken brick or tile at the bottom of the pot for drainage. Use bark, osmunda or tree fern for medium. Using proper medium with small containers helps to drain and dry out the pot fast so orchids thrive better.
