Dendrobium nobile (Noble Rock Orchid)

Dendrobium nobile (Noble Rock Orchid) is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid boasting short racemes of 2-4 sweet-scented, rose-pink flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a dark purple lip. Blooming from winter into spring, the showy and delicate flowers arise from the leafless nodes, and they last 3-6 weeks. The strap-shaped oval leaves, 2-3 in. long (5-8 cm), are often evergreen in cultivation. Native to China, the Himalayas, and Indochina, Dendrobium nobile can be found growing in lowland and mountain forests, often on mossy limestone rocks. Dendrobium nobile is quite popular as a decorative houseplant because it blooms in winter and spring when little else is in flower. If grown properly, this orchid can produce 50 to 100 flowers per cane.

• Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
• Grows in epiphytic orchid compost in bright indirect light with good ventilation.
• Needs a minimum night temperature of 50°F (10°C) and a daytime temperature of 64-77°F (18-25°C).
• Maintain high humidity by misting twice daily.
• Water freely adding orchid fertilizer every third watering from late spring to summer. Do not overwater and Water dendrobium nobile only once the soil is almost dry.
• Keep the plant dry in winter and do not fertilize.
• Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot.
• After the flowers have finished, you can trim the stems off close to the canes. Make sure you keep 3 or more healthy canes and at least one with a full set of leaves. The plant will generate another stem from a new shoot in about eight to twelve months
• Repot after flowering once every three to four years in an orchid potting mix.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to southern China (including Tibet), the Himalayas (India, Bangladesh, Assam, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan), and Indochina (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam). The species is also reportedly naturalized in Hawaii.

Tip for reblooming

• If a plant is healthy but does not produce flowers in a reasonable time, then increase the light, and your orchid should get back on track blooming regularly.