Source: Wikimedia Commons
Parish's Dendrobium
IntermediateDendrobium parishii
A medium-sized Dendrobium bearing purple-pink flowers in twos and threes at the nodes of leafless canes, long-lasting and scented of rhubarb or raspberry.
About
Dendrobium parishii is a species named after the 19th-century collector Charles Parish. It grows in the eastern Himalayas (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, northern Bangladesh), China (Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan), Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, on trees in evergreen forest at 250-1,700 m. Its erect or drooping yellowish canes are wrapped in white papery sheaths and carry stiff leathery leaves that drop during the rest period. Flowers appear from February to August, most freely in May and June, two or three at a time from the upper nodes of two-year-old leafless canes. They are about 5 cm across, long-lasting and scented of rhubarb or raspberry. Selected forms such as semi-alba are also sold. Give some shade and plenty of water early in the growing season, increase the light as the season goes on, and water less once the new canes mature in autumn, keeping it drier through winter to set next year's buds. It is a staple species at specialist orchid nurseries in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Parish's Dendrobium
The Parish's Dendrobium grows to Small to medium; flowers up to about 5 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern Himalayas, southern China and Indochina (250-1,700 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Small to medium; flowers up to about 5 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Give some shade when new growth begins, then move it into brighter light as the season progresses to ripen the canes.
Watering
Water freely while growing and reduce watering once the new canes mature in autumn.
Temperature & Overwintering
Wild plants range from hot lowlands to cool hills; it is a fairly easy intermediate grower. Bring it indoors in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in sphagnum or bark in a small pot or mount it; repot after flowering.
Dormancy Care
A drier winter rest makes the two-year-old leafless canes flower; do not cut them off.
Parish's Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Parish'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 Parish's Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Parish's Dendrobium is Small to medium; flowers up to about 5 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Parish's Dendrobium?
Parish's Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Parish's Dendrobium?
The price of Parish'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 parishii H.Low
Synonyms: Callista parishii (H.Low) Kuntze, Callista rhodopterygia (Rchb.f.) Kuntze, Dendrobium parishii var. dives Rchb.f., Dendrobium polyphlebium Rchb.f., Dendrobium polyphlebium var. emericii Rchb.f., Dendrobium rhodopterygium Rchb.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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