Dendrobium 'Thailand Black Purple'
orchid
- 11cm pot | 55cm tall
- £24.99
- available to order from late spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: bright but indirect light
- Soil: good orchid potting compost
- Rate of growth: fast
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 55cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose a 12.5cm orchid pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
Native to South East Asia, these plants grow in a wide range of climates, from tropical lowlands to cool, mountainous regions. One of the largest of all orchid groups, Dendrobium has nearly 2,000 species. Known for their profuse blooms, they are primarily epiphytes and grow on other plants. ‘Thailand’ has deep, crimson blooms with mid-green, strap-like alternate-leaves along the flowering stem. - Home care: Place this orchid in a bright spot but not in direct sun in a moderately warm room when in flower. Let the compost dry out slightly on the surface before watering with tepid soft water, or rainwater, allowing any excess water to drain away and then remove - it's important that the plant is not left sitting in water. Make sure the plants have good air circulation around the crown, mist regularly with water and feed with orchid fertiliser throughout the growing season.
Once it has flowered you can trim off the spent flowers but leave the 'cane' stems as they may support some more blooms in subsequent years. Over time some of the older 'canes' may become a bit woody and shriveled - these can be cut off at the base as long as there are three new healthy canes with leaves. To flower in subsequent years the plant will need cool temperatures and less frequent watering in the autumn and early winter for the buds to develop.
Once the buds have formed however, increase the frequency and volume of watering and move back to a warmer room to enjoy the floral display.