There are over a thousand discovered species of Dendrobium which makes them the second largest orchid genus in the world after Bulbophyllum. The shape and form of the stems and leaves of Denrobiums vary but the pattern of flowers is quite constant. Dendrobiums come from South East Asia, Northern India, islands off the East coast of New Guinea, Australia and Polynesia. The latitude where they grow is around the Equator and this territory is always hot at sea level without seasonal variation. However, the orchids from north of the Tropic of Cancer and south of the Tropic of Capricorn are used to a ranging climate having cold, dry winters and warm, wet summers.

The Dendrobium orchids are classified into three types:
1. Nobile type or Himalayan orchids.
2. New Guinea orchids.
3. Australian orchids.

1. Nobile Dendrobiums:
They are easy to grow but are difficult to bloom regularly. The flowers are showy and multi colored with colors like white, pink and purple, and the lip is often marked in contrasting colors. Others are yellow and brown, while the recently introduced hybrids have all the colors of the rainbow. The Himalayan climate is almost like a warmer Switzerland with cold but dry winters.
Requirements:
During November to February daytime temperatures can drop to 40ƒ - 45ƒ when you should not water or feed but give plenty of light and air movement. During March to June there are warmer and moister conditions when buds develop and new growths appear. Then, water less until the new shoots have grown roots. From June to November during the monsoon period which is warm and very wet, give a low strength, high nitrogen feed. Dry and cool the plants during winter so as to get flowers.

2. New Guinea Dendrobiums:
The climate changes with altitude and mountainous regions have cool, misty nights and warm, bright days. Do not allow the orchids of these regions to dry out completely and feed often with diluted fertilizers. The river valleys between the mountain ranges are warm and wet and some of the most exotic of the New Guinea orchids grow here. They need generous feeding and watering.

3. Australian Dendrobiums:
Dendrobium Kingianum and its near relatives are the easiest to grow orchids. The pseudobulbs have a length from 5cm. to 30cm. tall and are thin and tough. The leaves are narrowly and the flowers appear in late winter and early spring. These orchids can be removed and potted separately after they have developed good roots or they can be left on the parent plant. They require intermediate temperatures and drier conditions than other Dendrobiums. Water them once a week and water generously during the spring and autumn with dilute feed.

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