Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium
IntermediateDendrobium thyrsiflorum
A cluster-flowering Dendrobium that hangs dense sprays about 30 cm long of 30-50 flowers with white petals and a deep yellow lip; the pinecone-like cluster gives its English name.
About
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum is called the pinecone-like raceme dendrobium in English for the shape of its flower clusters. It grows in the mountains of the Chinese Himalayas, Yunnan and Hainan, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, on trees, rocks or the ground in humid, mossy mixed and coniferous forest at 1,200-2,000 m. Its slender, rounded, club-shaped stems are ridged and yellowish towards the top, with five to seven glossy dark green leaves near the tip. In spring a spray about 30 cm long hangs from near the top of the stem, packed with 30-50 fragrant flowers about 5 cm across, with white sepals and petals and a deep yellow to orange lip. The similar D. densiflorum has all-yellow flowers, and D. farmeri has pale lilac petals and diamond-sectioned stems. It was once treated as a variety of D. densiflorum (var. alboluteum). For flowering, keep water and fertilizer low in winter, then water and feed well once new growth starts in spring, with good air movement and bright light. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium
The Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium grows to Flower sprays about 30 cm long; flowers about 5 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern China (Yunnan, Hainan), eastern Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam (1,200-2,000 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Flower sprays about 30 cm long; flowers about 5 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Feed from spring to autumn; reduce in winter
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright light is essential for flowering; shade only from midsummer sun and give plenty of light.
Watering
Water generously from spring, once new growth starts, until autumn; water sparingly in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
A montane species that prefers fairly cool conditions; improve airflow to ease summer heat and keep it frost-free indoors in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Mount it on driftwood or pot it in sphagnum or bark; repot after flowering.
Dormancy Care
Rest it in winter with less water and fertilizer, resuming when new shoots appear in spring.
Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pinecone-like Raceme 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 Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium get?
The mature size of Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium is Flower sprays about 30 cm long; flowers about 5 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium?
Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium: watering & fertilizer — Feed from spring to autumn; reduce in winter. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Pinecone-like Raceme Dendrobium?
The price of Pinecone-like Raceme 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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