Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dense-flowered Dendrobium
IntermediateDendrobium densiflorum
A cluster-flowering Dendrobium packed with pale yellow flowers with golden lips on hanging sprays. Its stems are square in section; it is robust, though the flowers last only about a week.
About
Dendrobium densiflorum is the classic yellow cluster-flowering Dendrobium. It ranges from central Nepal through Assam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam to south-eastern Tibet and southern China, growing on mossy trunks and branches, occasionally on rocks, in hill and montane forest at about 1,100-1,830 m. The stems are 20-40 cm tall, slender at the base and square in section, with three to five leathery leaves near the top. From April to June hanging sprays 8-17 cm long emerge from the leaf axils, crowded with flowers 3-4 cm across; the sepals and petals are pale yellow and the golden lip has a finely toothed edge and a faint scent. It is known as one of the toughest and easiest of the group, although the flowers last only about a week. The similar D. thyrsiflorum has white petals and D. farmeri pale lilac ones. Too little sun reduces flowering, and a definite winter rest with less water and fertilizer leads to spring bloom. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Dense-flowered Dendrobium
The Dense-flowered Dendrobium grows to Stems 20-40 cm; flower sprays 8-17 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Central Nepal to Assam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indochina, SE Tibet and southern China (1,100-1,830 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Stems 20-40 cm; flower sprays 8-17 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Feed in the spring-autumn growing season; stop in winter
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes sun and flowers poorly without enough light; shade only from midsummer sun.
Watering
Water generously from spring to autumn and give a clear dry rest in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
A montane species that prefers fairly cool conditions; bring it indoors for winter and keep it from frost.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in sphagnum or bark in a smallish pot, or mount it; repot after flowering.
Dormancy Care
Stop water and fertilizer to rest it in winter, and resume when new shoots start in spring.
Dense-flowered Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Dense-flowered Dendrobium?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Dense-flowered Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Dense-flowered Dendrobium is Stems 20-40 cm; flower sprays 8-17 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Dense-flowered Dendrobium?
Dense-flowered Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Feed in the spring-autumn growing season; stop in winter. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Dense-flowered Dendrobium?
The price of Dense-flowered Dendrobium varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Dendrobium densiflorum Lindl.
Synonyms: Callista densiflora (Lindl.) Kuntze, Dendrobium clavatum Roxb., Dendrobium densiflorum f. parviflorum Regel, Dendrobium densiflorum var. clavatum Rolfe, Dendrobium schroederi B.S.Williams, Dendrobium schroederi Dombrain
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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