Unscented Dendrobium

Unscented Dendrobium key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)

Size

Canes up to 120 cm; flowers 5-10 cm across

Watering

Feed generously from late spring, when new growth starts, to autumn

Light & Placement

It likes bright light; shade from midsummer sun and give good light otherwise.

Watering

Water heavily from late spring, when new growth starts, until autumn; from about October let it dry and rest.

Temperature & Overwintering

A lowland plant that handles heat well but dislikes cold; keep it in a warm room in winter.

Soil & Repotting

The long canes hang, so mount it on tree-fern or cork, or use a hanging pot with sphagnum.

Dormancy Care

Leaf drop during the rest is normal. Withhold water until new shoots appear, and do not cut leafless canes, as they are the ones that flower.

About Unscented Dendrobium

Dendrobium anosmum is an orchid with meter-long trailing stems and clusters of fragrant purple flowers reminiscent of raspberries. Discover what makes this intermediate-level species distinctive and how to care for it.

7 things to know before growing Unscented Dendrobium

1. 1Plenty of Light Outside Midsummer

   Dendrobium anosmum likes bright light. Shade it only from direct midsummer sun and give it plenty of sunlight the rest of the year. Good airflow around the plant also helps prevent problems caused by excess humidity.

2. 2Water Generously in the Growth Season

   During active growth, water thoroughly once the potting medium has dried out, giving the plant a clear rhythm of wet and dry. Once the leaves drop and the plant enters dormancy, cut back on watering and keep the stems from shriveling too much.

3. 3Well-Draining Media

   As an epiphytic orchid, it does best in a fast-draining, airy medium such as bark or sphagnum moss. Avoid letting water pool in the pot, since prolonged wetness around the roots can lead to rot.

4. 4Repot as New Growth Starts

   Once the plant has filled its pot, repot it around the time new growth begins to emerge. Gently remove the old medium without damaging the roots before settling the plant into fresh material.

5. 5A Distinctly Dry Rest Period

   The key to growing it is a clearly dry rest from around October until new shoots appear in early spring. It handles heat well but dislikes cold, so keep it in a warm room over winter. Since stems can reach up to around 120 cm, mounting it or using a hanging display helps keep the plant tidy as it grows.

6. 6Divide to Keep It Thriving

   As a perennial, this orchid can be divided once its stems become crowded, refreshing the plant so it can be enjoyed for many years. Dividing at repotting time is a convenient way to combine the two tasks.

7. 7Choose Plants with Plump Stems

   When selecting a plant, look for stems that are firm and well-filled, as these tend to grow and flower more reliably. Avoid stems that look shriveled or unusually thin.

Frequently asked questions about Unscented Dendrobium

Q.Why is it called "unscented" if it's actually fragrant?

A.The species name anosmum means "without scent" because it was named from an unscented plant. In reality, most plants give off a strong fragrance reminiscent of raspberries, and fragrant plants once described as a separate species are now treated as the same species.

Q.Can beginners grow this orchid?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate growers rather than absolute beginners, since it requires the distinct wet-and-dry cycles typical of epiphytic orchids. Some prior experience with orchid care will make it easier to succeed.

Q.How big are the flowers, and when do they bloom?

A.The flowers measure roughly 5 to 10 cm across and open in clusters along the nodes of leafless stems. Blooming typically occurs after the dormant period, as temperatures begin to rise.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.The stems can reach up to around 120 cm in length and grow with a graceful, trailing habit. Even in a pot, they reach enough length to look striking when displayed in a hanging arrangement.

Q.How long can this orchid be kept?

A.It is a perennial that can be maintained over many years by dividing the plant as it grows. Detailed data on its exact lifespan is limited, however, so it's best to manage the plant based on its ongoing condition.

Handy Growing Tools for Unscented Dendrobium

Learn more about Unscented Dendrobium in the encyclopedia

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