Updated at: 08-06-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

There are more than 1,200 species of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae), as well as hybrids known as “grexes.” Dendrobium thrives in the tropical woods of southeast Asia and other tropical zones because it is epiphytic, which means it grows on rocks or the bark of trees rather than on the soil. Dendrobium orchids are grown without soil since they absorb nutrients and water from their surroundings. If you are in a hardiness zone 10 or 11, you can grow a potted dendrobium orchid outside. An epiphyte like dendrobium needs a moist atmosphere and indirect light to thrive. Dendrobium can be grown from seeds, although amateur gardeners prefer to use asexual propagation methods.

Keikis

Dendrobium plants develop new plants known as “keikis” when exposed to low light levels. A node on the mother stem produces a keiki. Roots are formed by these offshoots while they remain linked to the parent plant. Sever the stem between 1 and 2 inches below and above the node when a keiki has developed three to four roots to propagate dendrobiums. Composted fir bark is an excellent choice for growing keikis. It’s best to keep fresh plants away of the direct sun. To avoid pots from getting submerged in water, place them on a tray of water with pebbles or marbles.

HOW TO PROPAGATE - DENDROBIUM NOBILES - YouTube

Pseudobulbs

Rhizome division is an asexual method of propagation that includes cutting the rhizome between sympodials, the plant’s base stem and leaf growths. Synapodials, which store nutrients and water, are also found on numerous pseudobulbs, which are found on many species. Sterilize the blade of a knife or razor before using it. Cut the new pseudobulb close to the old pseudobulb to separate it from the old pseudobulb at its axis. It is preferable to cut the rhizome into sections with at least one live eye on each portion if there is no pseudobulb present. Sphagnum peat is ideal for growing pseudobulbs or cut rhizomes in a low-light, well-ventilated environment. Mist sphagnum moss twice daily to keep it moist but not drenched. When fresh growth appears, it’s time to transplant the plants back to their original location and pot.

Old Pseudobulbs

Reproduce new plants from dead pseudobulbs. The eyes are still functional even if the pseudobulb has gone inactive. Remove the dead leaves and papery covering. Dormant pseudobulbs should be placed in damp spaghnum peat and placed with their eyes up. They should be kept in a warm place. Bring them into the setting where you cultivate your flowering orchids when fresh growth begins. Between three and five years, this process can be completed successfully.

Culture

Composted fir bark or a potting mix specifically intended for orchid propagation should be used when planting immature plants. Plants should be kept in settings that are well-ventilated. When the potting mix’s surface is dry, water it about twice a week. Provide up to 14 hours of artificial light every day or move plants into bright, indirect light.

Potting Basics

Sterilized anvil pruners can be used to gently clip the stem between the plantlets once the cuttings have developed new shoots and roots. When sprouting from the parent plant’s pseudobulbs or stems, the young plants are known as keikis.

Flowerpots for Dendrobiums are typically smaller in size. Using a loose orchid medium of bark, volcanic rock weathered over time or sphagnum moss, put the young plants in 2-inch pots. First, make sure the medium is completely saturated by soaking it. When planting a new plantlet, keep the old stem erect and the shoots facing either to the side or upward. If necessary, use a stake to keep the plant upright and in place while it grows. It will take time for the new leaves to emerge, but the roots will eventually make their way through the soil.

Dendrobium Care

A window with sheer curtains facing south or west would be ideal for the Dendrobium. This type of orchid prefers temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Allow the nighttime temperature to fall between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. It is ideal for Noble Dendrobiums to have a 10-degree temperature differential between day and night.

Put the flowerpot in the sink and fill it with water until the water runs out of the drain. Small orchids may require twice-weekly watering, whilst larger plants may just require once-weekly watering. During the fall and winter months, watering should be reduced and the potting material kept barely damp.

Keep the orchid in an area with a high level of humidity. The plant should not be placed near heating and air conditioning ductwork. Group plants close and use a cool steam humidifier in the room to increase humidity to the air.

Use a foliar fertilizer every month during the spring and summer growing season. Apply a quarter-strength 12-12-12 water-soluble fertilizer as an option, and do so after every other watering.

propagation - Dendrobium nobile: How and when to cut and pot new plant ( keiki) from mother? - Gardening & Landscaping Stack Exchange

How to Propagate Dendrobium from Cuttings

Dendrobium orchid cuttings propagation instructions are provided here:

Step #1: Cut the Spikes

Short spikes that emerge from the stem’s nodes bear the Dendrobium’s flowers. Use rubbing alcohol to disinfect your shears between each cut to avoid transferring any dangerous infections from one spike to the next.

Step #2: Cut the Stems

A foot-long stalk can be harvested once all of the blossoms have faded. To separate them from the parent plant, cut them into three-node portions.

Step #3: Prepare the Rooting Tray

Pebbles and a sphagnum moss or bark base can be added to a rooting tray. If you go with moss, be careful to soak it thoroughly before using it. Drain the moss and lay it out evenly on the roots tray after drying it thoroughly. Spray the moss with water before adding the orchid cuttings. Place the rooting dish in a warm, out-of-the-sun position and keep the plants moist by covering them with plastic wrap.

Step #4: Care for the Cuttings

The ideal temperature for orchid propagation is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The orchid cuttings should be sprayed with water to keep them moist, but not soaked. Spray water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer on your cuttings every two weeks for the first two months until you notice leaves and roots sprouting from the cuttings. It’s important to follow it up with some water. Discard everything that appears to be decaying.

Step #5: Potting

Once you see shoots and roots, cut the stem between the sprouts using sterilized shears. Transfer them to pots where they can grow. Dendrobium orchids grow best in small flowerpots. Place them in two-inch pots using a planting medium of weathered volcanic rock, bark, or sphagnum moss. No matter which medium you choose, soak it in water until moist.

Slash the stem in half between the sprouts with sterilized shears. Transfer them to pots where they can thrive. Orchids of the Dendrobium genus do well in pots no larger than 6 inches across. They should be planted using a media of weathered volcanic rock, bark, or moss. The two-inch pots should be filled with the planting medium. No matter what you decide to use, make sure it’s well-moisturized first.

Why Grow Your Plants in a Hobby Greenhouse?

A hobby greenhouse is a great way to keep your orchids healthy and flourishing. Gardeners buy greenhouses for a variety of purposes, including:

Keep plants away from harmful pests

There are a number of insects that can harm orchids if they aren’t properly cared for, such as the two-spotted spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scales. These pests won’t be able to eat your orchids if you keep them in a sealed container. In addition, greenhouse plants are protected from diseases that may be present in the garden.

It comes in different sizes

When most people think of greenhouses, they see massive structures with walls made of glass. However, greenhouses exist in a wide range of sizes and designs, from tabletop greenhouses to barn-sized greenhouses. Mini-greenhouses are the norm for gardeners, unless you’re a well-known plant producer.

Great for people with small garden spaces

A compact greenhouse is a great option if you have limited garden area and wish to cultivate a variety of foods. A six-foot-wide tiny greenhouse is ideal for balconies, decks, and patios. If you’re looking for a more compact gardening solution, there are smaller ones available. Even if these greenhouses are smaller than normal, you will still reap the same benefits..

How To Activate Dendrobium Orchid Stalks To Make Keikis Non-stop – Frenond's Adventure

Start planting early

Gardeners can begin cultivating plants in a greenhouse even before the local planting season begins. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside, because your plants will grow in the greenhouse. If you’d want to grow them in your garden, you can do so after the weather warms up.

Protect your plants from bad weather

Bad weather may wreak havoc on months of hard work in a matter of minutes. In addition to protecting your plants from the elements, a greenhouse can also be used to keep them warm during colder months. A greenhouse is a good area for them to grow and thrive.

Final Thoughts on How to Propagate Dendrobium Orchids from Cuttings

If you want to grow gorgeous orchids, you need to know how to propagate dendrobiums from cuttings. If you follow these suggestions you’ll be able to enjoy an abundance of flowers at any time of the year.