Comparing Dendrobium varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Dendrobium family and have some observations to share. extraordinary bloom longevity lasting weeks to months varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — repotting into fresh bark medium every two or three years applies across all of them.

crown rot from water sitting in the leaf crown affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a decorative cachepot for a formal living room which works well for most varieties. triggering a new flower spike with cooler autumn nights is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.