If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant, the Dendrobium nobile – rare and beautiful orchid is a fantastic choice. This stunning plant offers a spectacular display of flowers and, with the right care, can become a long-lived centerpiece in your home.
Often called the noble dendrobium, this orchid is known for its tall, cane-like stems and profusion of fragrant blooms. It’s a bit different from the common phalaenopsis orchid you see everywhere, which makes it all the more rewarding to grow. Let’s look at how you can succeed with this amazing plant.
Dendrobium Nobile – Rare and Beautiful Orchid
What makes this orchid so distinct? Unlike many tropical orchids that come from steamy jungles, Dendrobium nobile is native to the cool, mountainous regions of Asia. It has a specific seasonal growth cycle that is key to its care. Getting it to rebloom is all about understanding and replicating this natural rhythm.
Its flowers appear directly on the tall, segmented pseudobulbs (often called canes). They can be white, pink, purple, or lavender, often with a darker, contrasting throat. The blooms have a light, honey-like fragrance that can fill a room.
Essential Care Requirements
Getting the basics right is the first step. Here’s what your Dendrobium nobile needs to thrive during its main growing season (typically spring and summer).
Light and Location
This orchid loves bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. A south or west window can work too, but you might need to diffuse the strong afternoon sun with a sheer curtain. Not enough light is a common reason for a lack of flowers.
- Signs of good light: The leaves should be a medium green color.
- Signs of too much light: Leaves turn yellowish or develop brown, crispy spots.
- Signs of too little light: Leaves become very dark green and the plant grows leggy, without blooming.
Watering and Humidity
Watering needs change with the seasons. During active growth (when you see new shoots and roots), water thoroughly when the potting mix is nearly dry. Always let excess water drain away completely.
- Use lukewarm water, not cold.
- Water in the morning so the leaves can dry before night.
- These orchids appreciate humidity around 50-60%. You can use a humidity tray or a room humidifier.
Potting Mix and Fertilizer
They do not grow in soil. Use a very well-draining orchid mix, like one based on medium-grade fir bark. Repot only every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium breaks down, preferably in the spring after blooming.
Feed weekly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer. A common advice is to “feed weakly, weekly.” Dilute the fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/2 the strength recommended on the label.
The Secret to Blooms: The Winter Rest Period
This is the most critical part of care and where many new growers stumble. To initiate flower buds, your Dendrobium nobile needs a cool, dry rest period in the late fall and winter.
- Triggering the Rest: In late autumn, you’ll notice growth slowing down. The pseudobulbs (canes) should be plump and mature.
- Reduce Watering: Gradually cut back on watering. In winter, you may only need to water once every 2-3 weeks, just enough to prevent the canes from shriveling severely.
- Stop Fertilizing: Do not fertilize at all during this rest period.
- Provide Cooler Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures should drop to around 50-55°F (10-13°C) for several weeks. A cooler room or a sheltered porch can work.
- Increase Light: Keep it in bright light during this time.
Once you see flower buds forming at the nodes of the canes, you can slowly resume normal watering and move it to a warmer spot. But don’t start heavy feeding until new growth appears after the blooms fade.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
Some yellowing of older leaves at the base of the cane is normal as the plant matures. However, widespread yellowing can be a sign of overwatering, too much direct sun, or a need for fertilizer.
No Flowers
This is usually due to insufficient light during the growing season or, more commonly, not providing a proper cool, dry winter rest. The plant needs that temperature drop to set buds.
Soft, Mushy Canes or Leaves
This almost always indicates root rot from overwatering or a broken-down potting mix. You may need to unpot the plant, cut away any soft, rotten roots, and repot into fresh mix.
Pests
Watch for common houseplant pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Wipe them of with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use an insecticidal soap. Good air circulation helps prevent infestations.
Propagation: Making More Plants
You can propagate Dendrobium nobile from keikis (Hawaiian for “baby”). These are small plantlets that sometimes form at the nodes on the canes, especially after blooming.
- Let the keiki develop several roots that are at least 2-3 inches long.
- Using a sterile knife or scissors, carefully cut the keiki off the cane, including its roots.
- Pot it up in a small container with fine-grade orchid bark. Keep it slightly moist and in humid conditions until it establishes.
Division is another method, best done during repotting. Ensure each division has at least 3-4 mature canes and some new growth for the best chance of success.
FAQ About Noble Dendrobium Orchids
How often does a Dendrobium nobile bloom?
With proper care and a winter rest, it should bloom once a year, typically in late winter or early spring. The flowers can last for several weeks.
Should I cut the old canes after flowering?
No! Do not cut off the old, leafless canes. They store water and nutrients, and they can sometimes produce keikis or even bloom again in future years. Only remove canes if they are completely brown, dried out, and mushy.
Can I grow this orchid outside?
In climates with mild summers and no frost, you can grow it in a shaded, sheltered spot outdoors. It must be brought inside well before any threat of frost. The outdoor summer period can actually strengthen the plant.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Brown leaf tips are often caused by low humidity, a buildup of salts from fertilizer, or inconsistent watering (letting the plant get too dry too often). Using distilled or rainwater for watering can sometimes help.
Is the Dendrobium nobile orchid fragrant?
Yes, many varieties have a light, sweet fragrance, especially noticeable in the morning. The scent can vary between different color forms.
Growing the Dendrobium nobile is a rewarding experience that teaches you to observe nature’s cycles. By mimicking its natural habitat—giving it a wet, warm growing season followed by a cool, dry rest—you’ll be gifted with its spectacular and fragrant blooms year after year. Paying attention to its needs is the true key to success, and the results are well worth the effort.