There are over 1,000 types of Dendrobium orchids and hybrids. They vary in size, bloom color, appearance, and growing requirements. For this reason, it is important that you get detailed care information for your certain type of Dendrobium because the care can greatly vary depending on the type you have.
DendrobiumDendrobiums are separated into two main groups: hard-caned and soft-caned.
Hard-caned Dendrobiums have tall pseudobulbs that are very thin and their leaves are generally a little darker in color than the soft-caned. Hard-caned Dens are evergreen and often keep their leaves for many years before they drop them. Hard-caned Dens grow spikes from the top of the cane and produce gorgeous flower sprays.
Soft-caned Dendrobiums have leafy pseudobulbs that are long and slim. Their leaves are generally a little lighter in color than the hard-caned Dens. They grow leaves along the length of the cane and the blooms sprout from the individual stems that are along the cane itself. Soft-caned dendrobiums are deciduous and drop their leaves
when the weather gets cold.
Because the care for each type of Dendrobium can vary so much we have chosen two types to give you detailed care on. The Dendrobium Nobile (which are soft-caned) and Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, also sometimes referred to as Dendrobium Bigibbum (which are hard-caned).