Source: Wikimedia Commons
Loddiges' Dendrobium
BeginnerDendrobium loddigesii
A small Dendrobium whose slender stems hang and spread. Single fragrant flowers with pale lilac petals and a reddish-orange lip appear at the nodes of leafless stems. It is tough and multiplies readily.
About
Dendrobium loddigesii is a small species from Laos, Vietnam, southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan) and Hong Kong. It grows on trees, rocks or occasionally the ground in humid, mossy mixed and coniferous forest at 1,000-1,500 m, where winters are dry and spring and summer are wet. Its slender, many-noded stems are sheathed in white and hang down, bearing small fleshy leaves alternately. From winter to early summer, single flowers about 5 cm across open at the nodes of leafless stems; they are long-lasting and sweetly fragrant, with pale lilac petals, purplish sepals and a reddish-orange lip. The stems branch readily and the plant multiplies well in a small pot or on a mount, so it is treated as a starter species Dendrobium. The key to flowering is a clear contrast between a dry winter rest and a well-watered spring and summer. It is a staple species at many specialist orchid nurseries in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Loddiges' Dendrobium
The Loddiges' Dendrobium grows to Small; flowers about 5 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Laos, Vietnam, southern China and Hong Kong (1,000-1,500 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Small; flowers about 5 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the spring-summer growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It prefers bright partial shade; screen midsummer sun and keep it in good light otherwise.
Watering
Water generously in spring and summer and keep it on the dry side in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
An intermediate grower that is fairly tough; bring it in for winter and keep it from frost.
Soil & Repotting
As the stems hang and spread, use a small or hanging pot with sphagnum, or mount it on cork.
Dormancy Care
A proper dry winter rest makes the leafless stems flower well.
Loddiges' Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Loddiges' Dendrobium?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Loddiges' Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Loddiges' Dendrobium is Small; flowers about 5 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Loddiges' Dendrobium?
Loddiges' Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the spring-summer growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Loddiges' Dendrobium?
The price of Loddiges' 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
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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