Blotched Cane Orchid Dendrobium gracilicaule

Blotched Cane Orchid is a herbaceous perennial species of orchid native to Australia with elongated, cane-like pseudobulbs from which the leaves and inflorescences emerge. The flowers are bright, showy, and fragrant. It is epiphytic, meaning the roots of the plant creep over and live on the surface of trees. The plant has cylindrical, yellowish green pseudo bulbs 20 to 40 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, with 3 to 7 thin leaves on the top. The 6 inch long flowering stem bears 5 to 30 colorful flowers.

These plants grow best in bright, indirect light, idealy a west or south-facing window. A partially shaded site providing 2,000 to 5,000 fc light intensity should be sufficient (full, direct sunlight is approximately 10,000 fc by comparison).  They prefer high humidity, around 60%, and need consistently moist soil.  Allow the soil to only halfway dry out between waterings, but never fully dry. Because these plants have small root systems, they MUST be planted in the smallest pot that fits and clay pots work well for maintaining good soil drainage. Blotched Cane Orchid can be grown in a bark-based medium containing horticultural charcoal. Feed weekly during the growing season after first watering thoroughly with tepid water. Use a commercial fertilizer diluted in water to half strength. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

These plants have few problems. They are generally not affected by pests, but watch for mealybugs. Insufficient light results in non-blooming.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Dendrobium.