Source: Wikimedia Commons
Farmer's Dendrobium
IntermediateDendrobium farmeri
A cluster-flowering Dendrobium that hangs sprays of up to 30 or more flowers with pale lilac to white petals and a yellow-centred lip. Its stems swell only near the top and are diamond-shaped in cross-section.
About
Dendrobium farmeri is one of the representative species of the cluster-flowering Callista group. It ranges from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal, Bhutan and Assam through Myanmar, Thailand and Laos to the Malay Peninsula, growing high on tall trees overhanging rivers in evergreen forest at 150-1,000 m. The stems are 20-30 cm tall, slender at the base and strongly swollen over the top three or so nodes, hard, glossy and diamond-shaped in section, with three or four broad, leathery leaves near the top. In spring and early summer, arching stems 20-25 cm long hang from the leaf axils with a dozen to more than 30 flowers about 5 cm across. The sepals and petals are flushed pale lilac from the tips or wholly white, and the lip is yellow in the centre with a white edge. Unusually for the group, the flowers last about a month. It can be told from the similar D. densiflorum (all-yellow flowers) and D. thyrsiflorum (white petals, rounded stems) by its pale lilac petals and diamond-sectioned stems. Collecting has raised concern for it in its native range. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Farmer's Dendrobium
The Farmer's Dendrobium grows to Stems 20-30 cm; flower stems 20-25 cm; flowers about 5 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, Assam) to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and the Malay Peninsula (150-1,000 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Stems 20-30 cm; flower stems 20-25 cm; flowers about 5 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes some shade; screen strong direct sun and grow it in bright partial shade.
Watering
Water heavily while growing, and give a short, definite dry spell in winter to set buds.
Temperature & Overwintering
A warm to intermediate grower; exposing it well to autumn cool outdoors before bringing it in helps it bud.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in sphagnum or bark in a smallish pot; repot after flowering.
Dormancy Care
Withholding water for a period after bringing it indoors is what triggers flowering.
Farmer's Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Farmer's 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 Farmer's Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Farmer's Dendrobium is Stems 20-30 cm; flower stems 20-25 cm; flowers about 5 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Farmer's Dendrobium?
Farmer's Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Farmer's Dendrobium?
The price of Farmer's 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 farmeri Paxton
Synonyms: Callista farmeri (Paxton) Brieger, Callista farmeri (Paxton) Kuntze, Dendrobium densiflorum var. farmeri (Paxton) Regel, Dendrobium farmeri var. albiflorum C.Morren, Dendrobium farmeri var. aureoflavum Hook.f.
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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