Eco-gardening is at its best in The Monday Garden
Issue #24 September 8, 2002
“In My Garden” today’ is this miniature dendrobium orchid, just because it’s pretty. Many “denebs” are a medium–warm temperature, tough orchids that can tolerate household conditions. I’ve found that the miniature ones do best for me and this one does the best of my collection.
I’ve had this plant since the mid-1990’s. It’s been easy-care, except for occasional scale infestations. It blooms at least twice a year, sending out so many flower stalks that it looks like a florist’s bouquet.
Denebs like:
• lots of light including direct sun,
• the nightly 10F temperature drop,
• generous watering except when dormant,
• flower fertilizer (“water weakly weekly” is what the orchid people say), and
• crowded roots in small pots.
Hold back on the water when the stems (technically, “pseudo- bulbs”) swell, and the plant will bloom a few weeks later—usually Fall and Spring.
Big tip: Do not, do not, do not fertilize denebs when they are dormant or they won’t bloom for years.
_
CLICK HERE for more about Phalaenopsis
CLICK HERE for more about orchids generally
Photo credits: Sue Sweeney
© Sue Sweeney 2002