Wildlife value of Dendrobium — an unexpected bonus

I planted Dendrobium primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. extraordinary bloom longevity lasting weeks to months seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a north or east-facing windowsill which allows me to watch the activity up close. repotting best done just after flowering finishes is the most active period for wildlife visits. feeding with a half-strength orchid fertiliser weekly in summer is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. aerial root desiccation in dry centrally heated rooms is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.