Dendrobium Hibiki

Dendrobium hibiki

(Dendrobium bracteosum x Dendrobium laevifolium)

Dendrobium Hibiki: A Unique Hybrid Orchid

Dendrobium Hibiki is a primary hybrid orchid, registered in 2009, resulting from the cross between two New Guinea species: Dendrobium bracteosum and Dendrobium laevifolium. 

Parent Species Overview

Dendrobium bracteosum

• Origin: Warm lowlands of the north coast of New Guinea
• Preferred Conditions: High humidity and strong light
• Flower Longevity: Flowers can last up to 6 months
• Flowering Pattern: Can flower continuously
• Growth: Pseudobulbs grow up to 30 cm long

Dendrobium laevifolium

• Origin: East of New Guinea and the islands to Vanuatu
• Flower Characteristics: Produces fewer but larger flowers
• Preferred Conditions: Intermediate to cooler temperatures
• Growth: Considered a miniature, reducing the hybrid's overall size
• Seasonality: Requires a drier winter period and flowers in the summer

Blooming Size Plant: Yes  *Blooming size plants- This does not mean you will receive a plant in bud or bloom. 

You will receive a plant mounted on a plastic platform (see pic). 

**PLEASE NOTE:** As this is a seedling population (not a mericlone that produces exact duplicates), the image is for illustrative purposes only. Each plant from this cross will be unique, with flowers displaying a range of variations inherited from the two parent species.

Dendrobiums are among the most commonly encountered orchids in the retail trade. Like most other cultivated orchids, dendrobiums are epiphytes, or air plants, with well-developed water-storage organs called pseudobulbs, often referred to as "canes" due to their upright, leafy appearance. Dendrobium hibiki should be potted in porous, free-draining media.

Light

Sufficient light is crucial for healthy growth and flower production of dendrobium hibiki. Provide bright light, up to 50 percent sun. In the home, place them in an east, west, or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, provide about 30 to 50 percent of full sun. Under lights, use four 40-watt fluorescent tubes and two 40-watt incandescent bulbs directly over the plants. Dendrobium parishii should be naturally erect, with minimal staking, and display a medium olive-green color.

Temperature

Mature dendrobium orchids need a 15 to 20°F difference between night and day. Provide nights of 60 to 65°F and days of 80 to 90°F. Temperatures up to 95 to 100°F are beneficial if humidity and air circulation are increased. Low temperatures (below 50°F) may cause leaf drop.

Water

Keep dendrobium hibiki evenly moist while in active growth. Allow them to dry between waterings once growth is mature, indicated by the presence of a terminal leaf.

Humidity

Dendrobium hibiki need 50 to 60 percent humidity. In the home, place them on trays over moistened pebbles. In a greenhouse, use a humidifier if conditions are too dry.

Fertilizer

Fertilize regularly during the active growing period. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the potting mix. A good general rule is to apply a balanced (10-10-10, 12-12-12, or similar ratio) fertilizer "weakly, weekly," meaning fertilize every week at one-quarter to one-half of the recommended dilution.

Potting

Repot dendrobiums every two to three years, before the potting mix breaks down. Pot them firmly in a medium that provides aeration and ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years' growth. Dendrobium hibiki grow best in pots that are small for the size of the plant or mounted.  We like to grow them mounted.