Dendrochilum - care

[ladyslipper]

Hi guys, I am considering adding one or two Dendrochilum's to my collection. Can they be grown along with Phals? My humidity can be an issue. Are they generally warm or intermediate growers?

regards mary

[justatypn]

Yes, Dendrochilum is a warm-intermediate growing orchids. The only issue with humidity is if the temp's change in the summer time. If you mist daily in the a.m. and keep the level's at about 50-60%, it's workable. It might take a month or two to acclimate but should do fine.

[Ray]

They are notorious about "sulking" when repotted, but will come around eventually. They have a lot of surface area and not much storage capacity, so need a constant moisture supply.

[ladyslipper]

Thanks for the info Cheryl & Ray. Humidity in Calgary is a big issue for orchids and humans alike (esp in the winter). I do struggle to reach 30% however that is open air. Right now I have my grow area with a plastic sheeting material on the back and it extends about half way on either side of the stand. I have noticed a surprising level of humidity but as this time of year is not nearly as dry as winter, I am hoping that the humidity level will be better. I would like to install the mist king system but that won't happen for awhile yet.

Given my struggle with humidity, are dendrochilium's too much of a risk?

thanks mary