Dendrobium moniliforme hybrids

The variegated cultivars of Dendrobium moniliforme have been grown in Japan for hundreds of years, but are rarely seen in the West.

They are horticultural selections of an epiphytic orchid common in warm-temperate East Asia, found in the wild growing on branches and trunks of trees, and on rock outcroppings. Dendrobiums are naturally dormant in winter, when they lose most or all their leaves, and if kept dry, will take frequent below-freezing temperatures.

• Dendrobiums are easy to keep in a cold greenhouse or in a cool window. In Zones 8 and 9 they can be grown outdoors if they are kept under cover in the winter to protect them from rain.
• If kept cold and dry in winter, they will produce their fragrant white flowers in summer.
• Bright light but not hot sun is best.
• New growth occurs in mid to late summer. Water and fertilize as you would for any orchid in summer.
• They can be grown in small clay pots in fresh sphagnum or orchid bark, or wired to branches with a little moss (Sassafras works well).

To view the Dendrobium monoliforme cultivars plant list, click here.