Dendrobium anosmum ( Dendrobium superbum )

Dendrobium anosmum ( Dendrobium superbum )

Dendrobium anosmum is a large epiphytic orchid known for its long, arching to pendulous canes, reaching up to 4 feet (120 cm) in length. These canes bear oblong-elliptic, deciduous, fleshy, and glossy green leaves that are 5-7 inches long (12-18 cm). In the spring, pleasantly fragrant lavender flowers, up to 4 inches across (10 cm), with two burgundy spots on either side of the lip, emerge from the leafless nodes. The flowers emit a powerful scent reminiscent of raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, or hyacinth. Native to New Guinea, the Philippines, and extending north to Sri Lanka and Thailand, Dendrobium anosmum can produce numerous flowers per pseudobulb if grown under optimal conditions.

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

Remember if you buy bare root: you need to trim away dead roots, do not over water when you first plant, make sure the orchid does NOT move in the pot at all so they get established.  Plants may have leaf bruises or blemishes. This is part of buying a plant at this stage when it is so inexpensive. 

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 anosmum should be potted in porous, free-draining media or mounted.

Light

Sufficient light is crucial for healthy growth and flower production of dendrobium anosmum. 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 anosmum should be naturally erect, with minimal staking, and display a medium olive-green color.

Temperature

Mature dendrobium anosmum 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 anosmum 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 anosmum 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 anosmum grow best in pots that are small for the size of the plant or mounted.