Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jenkins' Dendrobium
IntermediateDendrobium jenkinsii
A tiny Dendrobium with clusters of small flattened pseudobulbs. In early spring, one to five honey-scented yellow flowers appear beside each thick single leaf. It is usually sold mounted on cork.
About
Dendrobium jenkinsii is a small species from China (Yunnan, Hainan), Assam, the eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, growing on tree trunks in open forest at 700-1,500 m. Its small, flattened, four-ribbed pseudobulbs cluster together, each topped by one thick, rigid leaf. In early spring a short spray from near the top of a pseudobulb opens one to five bright yellow flowers about 3 cm across at once; they are honey-scented but fairly short-lived. It is easily confused with D. lindleyi (formerly D. aggregatum), and nurseries sometimes sell it as aggregatum or as D. lindleyi var. jenkinsii. GBIF treats the two as separate species, with aggregatum a synonym of lindleyi. The difference is that jenkinsii bears few flowers (one to five), whereas lindleyi carries many in a cluster. Give it full light and a dry rest in winter, and mount it on tree-fern or cork so the arching sprays have room. In Japan, specialist orchid nurseries sell plants mounted on cork.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Jenkins' Dendrobium
The Jenkins' Dendrobium grows to Miniature; flowers about 3 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern China, the eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan and Indochina (700-1,500 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years as it clumps up (little data on lifespan)
Size
Miniature; flowers about 3 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes bright light, especially full light in winter; lightly shade only from harsh midsummer sun.
Watering
Mounted plants dry quickly, so water often while growing; in winter water sparingly and keep it dry.
Temperature & Overwintering
It prefers intermediate to slightly cool conditions; bring it indoors in winter and keep it from frost.
Soil & Repotting
Mount it on tree-fern or cork; move it to a new mount when it outgrows the old one.
Dormancy Care
A dry winter rest helps it flower well in early spring.
Jenkins' Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Jenkins' 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 Jenkins' Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Jenkins' Dendrobium is Miniature; flowers about 3 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Jenkins' Dendrobium?
Jenkins' Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Jenkins' Dendrobium?
The price of Jenkins' 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 jenkinsii Wall. ex Lindl.
Synonyms: Callista aggregata var. jenkinsii (Wall. ex Lindl.) Brieger, Dendrobium aggregatum var. jenkinsii (Wall. ex Lindl.) King & Pantl., Dendrobium marseillei Gagnep.
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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