Dendrobiums are one of the most assorted species of orchids with over 1,200 genera spread all over the world. As such, when deciding to grow them, a lot of orchid growers cannot avoid many mistakes that are typical for a large variety of species.

Because of its large selection, the ones grown in cultivation have been classified into two more particular types, the evergreens and the deciduous plants. These two types are fairly different from each other, but the two of them can be grown successfully in greenhouses or other such structures.

When choosing dendrobium orchids, the deciduous type is considered to be better for beginners for they are sturdier and more resilient to newbies' blunders compared to evergreens. On the other hand evergreens, when confined to greenhouses and similar structures, are very simple to cultivate as long as the proper climatic settings are given.

Dendrobiums in general need high moisture content and have medium light requirements. During the growing season they prefer being kept in shaded areas where the sun can sufficiently provide them with light at specific times of the day.

To further assist you with the successful cultivation of these orchids, here are the 4 most common mistakes that orchid growers make when growing dendrobiums and how to avoid them.

Sleeping Orchids

During winter, deciduous dendrobiums go into a kind of sleep mode. They gradually drop their leaves and seem to be lifeless but are very much alive. Most orchid growers call this period of rest dormancy or ripening period.

At this very crucial time, the first mistake happens. A growing dendrobium normally needs an abundance of humidity and intermediate light. This will make sure that the plant will produce a lot of thriving flowers when the time comes. But during the winter, orchid growers mistakenly handle them the same way. You should never this!

Dendrobiums in their maturing period actually have quite different needs. When this time comes they have to be provided with as much sunlight as they can tolerate. Never place them in locations where they are shaded and away from sunlight. Its usual location when it was still awake will not be sufficient anymore to keep it thriving. Try to situate it beside windows or anywhere where sunlight can reach them.

Another thing to keep in mind is the humidity levels. During this stage, dendrobiums do not require a lot of moisture. Very little water will be sufficient to keep their roots alive. Also remember that their roots constantly require plenty of air circulation so you should put them where there is a lot of fresh air. If you follow these vital tips then you are sure to have healthy pseudobulbs in the spring.

Baby Orchids

The second blunder that orchid growers make is when trying to propagate flowering dendrobiums. Evergreens and deciduous dendrobiums act very differently than each other when it comes to propagation. Treating them similarly is not a very good idea and can even cause their flowers to not blossom.

Evergreens are more lenient compared to deciduous plants when propagating. Evergreens can create new shoots without affecting its flowering cycle. On the other hand, deciduous pseudobulbs can only give out blossoms once.

In order to successfully multiply evergreens without affecting its blooms, be attentive. As soon as its blooms shed, then immediately cut the stem at the bottom where there are new pseudobulbs. Cut them into two or more divisions, then pot them. Be sure though that the stems you collected have two or more pseudobulbs. And do not ever throw away the old shoots because they can still produce flowers the following year.

While deciduous dendrobium's old pseudobulbs may be cut into several pieces and potted in order to propagate after flowering, be sure that the cuttings have one or two nodes each. Pot them on damp sand and place them somewhere moist, warm and shaded.

Making the Cut

This next blunder is also about the propagation of deciduous dendribiums. Sometimes because of the season the nodes of the cuttings have a challenge growing new plants. To avoid this, orchid growers usually select spring time to grow new plants to take advantage of the season.

But when orchid growers choose to do this outside of spring, they can employ a different technique that will make sure there are new growths of plants at its nodes. This is done with the help of growth hormones.

When handling other plants, you usually dip the base part of the cut in hormone powder to activate root growth. In the case of these orchids, you have to do the opposite. You have to dip the top end of the cuttings instead of the bottom. Orchids create new growths first, and then the roots will develop right after.

Size Matters

The final mistake that you should be aware of takes place when potting dendribiums. Deciding the correct size of the pot to use is a crucial part of growing these orchids. Among all orchids, dendribiums are described as having the thinnest and least expansive roots.

This means that oversized pots are a big no-no. If you can, look for and use the smallest pot that it can fit into. A smaller pot is more desirable because its roots can flourish better.

After its blooming year you can change the pot and select the next perfect container that can fit its new size.

Dendrobium orchids are a great choice. Sure, they are a lot work for your regular orchid grower, but once you master the easy do's and don't's, growing them will be a a breeze.