Some species of orchids of the genus Dendrobium: withdrawal, features of the contents

Dendrobium (Dendrobium) is an extensive genus of the family of Orchids, or Orchids, numbering more than a thousand species, most of which are epiphytes. In nature, its representatives grow in tropical Asia, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand. The appearance of these plants is extremely diverse: it includes species with thick and thin, spindle-shaped and cylindrical stems. Their leaves can have an ovate, lanceolate, elliptical shape and settle all over the stem or on its apex. In some species, they keep on the stems throughout the year, others - fall after the plant fades. Species originating from regions with a pronounced dry period annually drop leaves.

On the stems of most dendrobiums there are thickenings, called pseudobulbs - from which both leaves and flowers can appear. Inflorescences of these plants are racemose - hanging or straight. They are located on the stems or their apexes. In the inflorescences, there may be 1 to 3 or more flowers, in some species they have a delicate, pleasant aroma. In addition to several basic cultivated species of the genus Dendrobium (care for them has its own nuances), numerous hybrid forms are grown. In total, there are several classifications of dendrobiums, numbering from six to fifteen groups. When composing them, experts tried to unite the plants, proceeding from their needs for care: wintering conditions, favorable for maintaining the temperature regime, etc.

It is very difficult to single out the general patterns of content for all plants of the genus Dendrobium - care for its various species has its own characteristics. Some of them, for example, dendrobium phalaenopsis (dendrobium phalaenopsis), are more thermophilic, others require moderate temperatures of maintenance. The same applies to the period of rest: one species is simply necessary, others do not need it, keeping juicy leaves and shoots throughout the year. In some species, such as the already mentioned dendrobium phalaenopsis, it occurs involuntarily, due to a lack of natural light. This orchid (dendrobium), the care of which requires keeping it warm throughout the year, is well adapted for growing in a living environment.

One of the most popular species, dendrobium nobile (dendrobium nobil), care of which requires its maintenance from November to January in a cool place, refers to deciduous. After dropping the leaves, it is practically stopped to water. Cold night temperatures contribute to the formation of flower buds in the plant. In a room with a higher temperature (+22 - +23 degrees) it is applied after the kidneys are distinguishable. In the absence of suitable conditions for the laying of buds, the flower will shoot well, but it will not bloom. At the same time, the original species of dendrobium nobilis is now almost completely replaced by its hybrid varieties, which may have several other requirements for content. The common for all varieties of this species remains the need for a night temperature decrease during the period of growth and flowering to +16 - +18 degrees. This dendrobium, which requires careful maintenance of a certain temperature regime, feels much better in cool greenhouses or winter gardens than in living rooms.

Common to all species and varieties of this genus is the need for bright diffused light. The substrate for any dendrobium should consist of sphagnum, pieces of pine bark up to one and a half centimeters, charcoal and peat. There should be a good drainage layer in the landing tank. Dendrobium, care for which involves replacing the substrate in the pot once every two to three years, does not tolerate root damage, so caution should be exercised when transplanting.

Watering dendrobiums during the growth period is abundant enough, however, it is necessary to avoid overmoistening of the substrate. Plants with well-developed roots are fed: thermophilic - monthly, and in summer and in winter, a weak solution of complex fertilizers. Dendrobiums belonging to the "cool" group, during the growth period are fed with nitrogen fertilizers, and beginning from the end of summer, they are replaced by phosphate-potassium fertilizers. In this case, it is better to alternate normal top dressing with foliar fertilizing.