"Scentsational" and Beautiful – Dendrobium anosmum and Dendrobium anosmum var. alba

 

                                              

Dendrobium anosmum var. alba is a stunning nobile orchid. Its flowers release a delightful and sweet fragrance. This white-flowered variety is a showstopper, cascading with elegant blooms that add beauty and charm to any collection. 

Equally breathtakingly beautiful is Dendrobium anosmum (purple flowered). I love, love, love these orchids. Every year my collection of D. anosmum is growing as the plants tend to produce numerous  keikis  while the fragrance makes the growing collection something to look forward to every year!

  

Ease of Cultivation

Intermediate. While not difficult to grow, it requires specific seasonal care to thrive, making it more suited for those with some orchid experience.

Light

Bright, indirect light is best. It enjoys filtered sunlight similar to what it would receive in its natural habitat.

Watering

During the growing season (typically April to December here in Trinidad and Tobago) water frequently, keeping the roots evenly moist.  I usually reduce watering from early January when the plant enters dormancy. Soon the leaves will start dropping, and the canes become bare (this is normal).  

Flowering buds start emerging from Mid to late February. At this time, I usually resume watering to maintain the buds.

  

Fertilizing

I feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) weekly at half strength during active growth and stop fertilizing during dormancy.

Potting

Prefers to be mounted on wood or grown in a well-draining potting mix, such as coarse bark or coconut husk. I use coconut husk in clay pots or wire baskets. Good air circulation is essential. 

Flowering

Flowering buds start opening from late February to March, producing long, pendulous canes covered in pristine white or purple flowers with a delightful fragrance. Flowers last up to six weeks.

Even before the flowers fall off the canes, new shoots start growing from the base of the old canes as well as along the "old canes". This new basal growth will give rise to next years' blooms. 

Photo above showing new shoots at the base of the old canes 

Pests and Diseases

Susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and fungal infections if humidity is too high with poor air circulation. Regularly inspect leaves and canes for pests.

This orchid rewards patience with breathtaking blooms and intoxicating fragrance—well worth the effort and a welcome and rewarding addition to any orchid enthusiast!

 Happy Gardening!

 The Grey-Haired Gardener