Dendrobium Nobile 'Bright Eye'

The flowers of dendrobium nobile orchids are beautiful, delicate and numerous. Buds form on small flower spikes of no more than a few centimeters in length, that grow from the stem, in between pairs of leaves. A single dendrobium nobile cane can have 25-50 blooms and a plant with several canes blooming will produce a spectacular display. The flowers have a light, sweet scent, which is pleasant, but not overpowering. Buds normally develop in December and January, with blooming from January to March in the northern hemisphere. Blooms typically last for at least 6 weeks. Cooler conditions and healthy plants given good care can extend blooming for up to 12 weeks in total.

Dendrobium orchids are epiphytic plants, which means that in nature, they grow attached to other plants, rather than in soil. For this reason, you should ensure that your dendrobium nobile orchid is potted in a very well aerated and well-draining potting mix. A good quality pre-prepared orchid mix will be ok, or you can make your own. An equal mix of coarse pine bark, coconut husk and perlite is a mix that I use very successfully with a number of orchid species.

Dendrobium nobile orchids like to be root bound, so only repot every 2-3 years, and only to a pot one size bigger. Triggers for repotting should be if drainage of the potting media slows down due to the media breaking down, canes overgrow the pot, or the root mass is significantly filling the pot. Repot once flowering has finished and the plant is about to enter a period of rapid vegetative growth. Fresh potting media and space to grow will be most beneficial for your plant at this time. Repotting at other times can interrupt bud and bloom development and repotting when flowering can lead to premature ending of the blooming phase due to the stress caused to the plant by the repotting process.