Dendrobium primulinum

Dendrobium primulinum – The Primrose Yellow Dendrobium

Native to the lush forests of India and Southeast Asia, Dendrobium primulinum is a breathtaking orchid species known for its cascading growth habit and delightful blooms. This orchid thrives in regions ranging from the mountains of Nepal and northern Thailand to the misty highlands of Vietnam and the Yunnan Province in China, growing at elevations of 500–1600 meters.

Plant Characteristics:

• Size: A large, warm-growing, pendant epiphyte reaching 25–45 cm in height.
• Stems: Clusters of terete, sulcate, pendulous stems covered with white sheaths.
• Leaves: Lanceolate to oval-shaped leaves, measuring 8–13 cm long, appear on new growth and fall in winter, marking the onset of blooming.

Flowers:

• Season: Blooms from winter to summer.
• Appearance: Short inflorescences produce 1–2 fragrant flowers, 4–8 cm in diameter, with narrow petals in shades of purple, pink, or white with pink tips.
• Lip: A striking yellow, trumpet-shaped lip with ragged edges, featuring a dark red or purple throat.
• Fragrance: Subtle yet enchanting.

Cultivation Tips:

Light:

• Bright, indirect light (30,000–40,000 lux) is ideal.
• Slight shading is needed from spring to autumn to prevent leaf burn.

Temperature:

• Summer: 26–28°C during the day, 19–20°C at night.
• Spring: Warmer days (30–31°C) with cooler nights (12–19°C).
• Winter: Cooler conditions of 25–28°C during the day, dropping to 9–10°C at night.

Humidity:

• Maintain 80% humidity in summer, reducing to 60% in winter for optimal health.

Watering:

• Water generously during the growing season (late spring to early autumn).
• Reduce watering in autumn as growth slows, allowing the plant to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizer:

• Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength weekly.
• Spring to midsummer: High nitrogen fertilizer.
• Late summer to autumn: High phosphorus fertilizer.

Rest Period:

• Provide a cool, dry rest during winter, gradually increasing water when new growth begins in spring. Occasional morning misting can help prevent excessive dryness.

Mounting and Potting:

• Best mounted on tree fern rootstock or placed in hanging baskets filled with loose, quick-drying substrates.
• Repot in early spring after flowering, ensuring containers accommodate two years of growth.

This is a blooming size plant newly repotted in a 3" basket or 4" pot, grown from seed, limited!

With its elegant pendulous stems, vibrant yellow flowers, and intoxicating fragrance, Dendrobium primulinum is a showstopper in any orchid collection. Its adaptability to various growing conditions makes it an excellent choice for intermediate growers seeking to elevate their orchid display. Add this exotic beauty to your collection and experience the charm of its cascading blooms.