Dendrobium lituiflorum

Dendrobium lituiflorum 

Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindley
Also known as: D. hanburyanum Rchb. f.

Origin & Habitat:
Native to Southeast Asia, this species is found in northeastern India, Burma, northern Thailand, Laos, and southwestern China. It often forms dense clusters on treetops.

• In Thailand, it grows at elevations of 1,300–2,600 ft. (400–800 m).
• In Assam and Manipur (northeastern India), Bhattacharjee (ref. 38) reports its growth at approximately 5,600 ft. (1,700 m), whereas Rao (ref. 376) notes a range of 650–1,650 ft. (200–500 m).
• In China, Tsi (ref. 528) records its presence at elevations between 3,600–5,600 ft. (1,100–1,700 m).

Climate:
Based on data from Station #48353 in Loei, Thailand (Lat. 17.5°N, Long. 101.5°E) at an altitude of 817 ft. (249 m), temperatures adjusted for an elevation of 2,500 ft. (760 m) suggest probable extremes of 100°F (38°C) and 28°F (-2°C).

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

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. They should be potted in porous, free-draining media.

Light

Sufficient light is crucial for healthy growth and flower production. 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. Dendrobiums 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 dendrobiums 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

Dendrobiums 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. Dendrobiums grow best in pots that are small for the size of the plant.