Dendrobium Aphyllum | Orchidaceae

Dendrobium Aphyllum - The Hooded Orchid

Dendrobium Aphyllum - The Hooded Orchid

Introduction

Dendrobium Aphyllum, also known as the hooded orchid, is a species of orchid native to Bangladesh, southern China, eastern Himalayas, India, Maldive Islands, Nepal, and Thailand. It is a pseudobulbous epiphyte or lithophyte that grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. The plant has long, pendulous stems that become leafless in the winter. It is attractive and easily cultivated, making it a popular choice for orchid enthusiasts.

Native Regions

The hooded orchid is also known as Dendrobium pierardii or cucullatum. It is a sympodial epiphytic orchid with deciduous leaves that fall off after a period of time. The stems are long, pendulous, and can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. The pendant canes of the plant require mounting, and a drier winter rest with no fertilizer is essential to ensure early spring blooming. The plant requires bright light, with 2500-3500 foot-candles being ideal.

Blooming Season

The plant has long, pendulous stems that become leafless in the winter season. The stems can grow up to 1.5 meters long and produce clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring season. The flowers are usually white or pink with a yellow or purple center and have a hood-like shape, hence the name hooded orchid.

Dwarf Form

A dwarf form of Dendrobium aphyllum with darker pink-purple flowers and canes up to 10 inches long is also available. It blooms in June to July and tolerates cooler winter temperatures.

Epiphytic Growth

The Hooded Orchid is an attractive and easily cultivated plant that requires bright light and moderate watering. It prefers a well-draining potting mix and should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. The plant requires a drier winter rest with no fertilizer to ensure early spring blooming.

Growing and Caring

The plant requires regular watering during the growing season and should be allowed to dry out between watering. Mounting is a necessity to accommodate the pendant canes of the Hooded Orchid. It can be mounted on a piece of bark or grown in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. The plant can be propagated by dividing the pseudobulbs during the growing season.

Key Care Tips

The Hooded Orchid requires bright light to grow. It can tolerate cooler winter temperatures and needs a drier winter rest with no fertilizer to ensure early spring blooming. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season and should be allowed to dry out between watering.

Interesting Facts

The Hooded Orchid is named after its hooded flowers that are white with a yellow center. The plant should be repotted every two years in a well-draining potting mix. Mounting is also a good option for this plant as it accommodates the pendant canes and provides good air circulation.