The genus of orchids Dendrobium includes a huge variety of subgroups that differ from each other in appearance, size and arrangement of flowers, growth characteristics and rules of care. An important place among them is occupied by such a subspecies as Dendrobium nobile. Its name literally translates as "Noble Orchid", which is quite consistent with its appearance and sophisticated aroma.
The homeland of the Noble Orchid is the south of Eurasia, its temperate climatic zone - first of all, the territory of North India, Indonesia, and South China. She is often found in the Himalayas. In Europe, this species, imported from India, appeared rather late - in 1836.
Dendrobium Nobile is especially popular with novice growers. Caring for her is easier than for some other types of orchids, while her beauty is in no way inferior to most of her "relatives". However, like the overwhelming majority of ornamental plants, orchids are considered quite capricious flowers, and those who decide to have this tropical beauty at home need to remember a few simple tips.
Dendrobium nobile orchid - care features
Location and lighting
It is very important to choose the right place for the orchid. Dendrobium nobile is a light-loving plant that does not tolerate darkened rooms and gloomy halls. For the normal course of photosynthesis, the orchid needs a sufficiently large amount of light, if it is not enough, then the plant most likely will never be able to bloom. However, be careful: direct sunlight can cause burns on its leaves, causing enormous harm to it.
The southern and southeastern windowsills are best suited for this type of orchid. It is also very useful in the summer to take the orchid out of the room to an open place, to the garden or to the balcony.
Temperature
Under natural conditions, the noble orchid grows in the subtropical climatic zone, so it feels very comfortable at room temperature. The ideal mode for Dendrobium Nobile is 20-25 ° С. In winter, in the absence of an additional heater, the temperature may drop to 16-18 ° C. However, keep in mind that the temperature during the day should not fluctuate more than 4-5 degrees.
More pronounced changes in her are perceived by the heat-loving beauty as stress and can seriously harm her. If, nevertheless, there is a need to change the temperature regime, then a few days before that you need to start preparing the orchid for changes - first of all, do not feed and reduce the abundance of watering. A noble orchid may not survive a low temperature at all.
Watering
Since Dendrobium nobile is a tropical plant, the conditions for its watering should be as close as possible to the conditions of its natural habitat.
First of all, a novice florist should remember that the orchid of this subspecies does not tolerate excessive soil moisture. It can be watered again only after the substrate in which it grows completely dries out.Thus, the frequency of watering directly depends on the air temperature - the higher it is, the more frequent watering will be required. In winter, it is better to switch to dry content altogether - that is, to reduce watering to a minimum.
Warm up the water before watering the orchid. The liquid should be warm enough to resemble the tropical rainwater of Indonesia and China as much as possible. Very useful for this plant "shower" watering, wetting not only its roots, but also the leaves.
If the nobile orchid grows in a pot, you will definitely need a pallet. However, make sure that the water does not stagnate in it - this can lead to decay of the roots. If you placed the plant on blocks, then you will have to water it daily, best of all in the morning. Only with this kind of care can you ensure healthy growth and long-lasting flowering of your orchid.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Top dressing is a prerequisite for keeping the nobile orchid. It must be carried out regularly - this is necessary in order to maintain the health of the plant's root system. However, be careful: fertilizer, like water, should be in moderation.
Before you start feeding, be sure to find out which fertilizer is best for your strain. Since there are a lot of types of orchids, and the differences between them are sometimes more than huge, an incorrectly chosen top dressing can harm the plant, and not benefit. You should also not use standard plant food for indoor plants - it is not intended for the substrate in which the orchid grows.
Many novice growers are sure that there is never too much fertilizer. This is not true. You cannot get carried away with feeding, since it can cause serious damage to the roots. It can be used only during the flowering period, no more than several times a month.
Transfer
The noble orchid is a gentle plant and does not like frequent changes. Therefore, it is better to transplant it as little as possible. The need for a transplant appears only if she has "outgrown" her pot, and it has become cramped for her. You will notice when this happens - the roots of the flower will hang down without going deep into the soil, and its growth will slow down greatly.
Orchid is a rather capricious flower, but its beauty and long lifespan more than compensate for all the difficulties that a plant breeder may experience when caring for it. Subject to the conditions of its maintenance, Dendrobium nobile will delight you with its bright flowering for many years.
