Dendrobium nobile is one of the most widely grown dendrobium species. It may drop its leaves during the winter rest. It can reach a height of 40" depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Dendrobium nobile needs bright light. As bright as the plants can stand with out burning the leaves. If acclimated correctly, they can stand full sun. I grow mine in (almost) full sun. The leaves should be slightly yellow.
Day time temperatures during the summer should be 75*-85* F. and 65*-70* F. at night. Leave den. nobiles outside later in the fall than most other orchids. The cool temperatures will help the plants flower. They can take light frost with temperatures as low as 29* F.
During active growth, plants need lots of water, and should be allowed to dry only slightly between waterings. In the fall, water should be reduced, and stopped completely in November until plants flower. Humidity should be 60%-80%.
1/4 to 1/2 strength fertilizer with every watering, or full strength once a week from spring through summer is best. All or most nitrogen should stop in August, and a high phosphate fertilizer should be used until September. Then all fertilizer is stopped until new growth appears in spring.
Bright light, cool fall temperatures, and low nitrogen fertilizer in the fall are the key to blooming dendrobium nobile. They bloom winter-spring with 2" flowers.
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