Dendrobium moschatum fma. flava

Dendrobium moschatum fma. flava is native to the Himalayan region (northern and eastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, and Yunnan) as well as parts of Indochina, including Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

Features:

• A large epiphytic orchid, often growing on trees in open forests at elevations of 300–900 m.

• Stems: Erect, arching or pendulous, eventually becoming terete and woody (up to ~180 cm long).

• Leaves: Leathery, narrowly elliptic or oblong-ovate, concentrated on the upper parts of the cane.

• Flowers:

  • Inflorescences are pendulous, typically bearing 5–10 (sometimes up to 12) blooms on 20 cm or longer spikes.

  • Flower size is around 3.5 inches (8.75 cm) across.

  • Petals are yellow; the lip is fuzzy and marked with deep maroon.

• Fragrance: Musky, sometimes with rhubarb or sweet woodruff undertones—especially prominent in the evening.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is key—avoid harsh midday sun. Morning light is best, especially in summer.

• Temperature:

  • Summer: Day 30–32 °C / Night ~22 °C

  • Winter: Day 28–31 °C / Night 11–13 °C
    The drop in nighttime temperature is important for encouraging blooms.

• Humidity: 80–85% in summer; 60–70% during cooler periods. Maintain good air flow to prevent fungal issues.

• Watering:

  • Active growth: Water heavily through autumn.

  • Winter: Reduce watering—soak every 4–6 weeks but keep some humidity, do not let dry completely.

• Potting Medium: Use well-draining orchid mixes—e.g., bark, sphagnum, charcoal, perlite. Mounted cultivation is also feasible.

• Fertilizer:

  • Weekly at ¼–½ strength.

  • Spring–mid-summer: higher nitrogen.

  • Late season: switch to phosphorus-rich feed to encourage blooms.

• Repotting: After flowering or when required (substrate degradation or overcrowding); use the smallest pot that fits.

• Pests & Diseases: Watch for mealybugs, mites, aphids, thrips, slugs/snails, and fungal/bacterial pathogens. Prevention with good ventilation and hygiene is critical; apply natural treatments like neem oil when needed.

• Propagation: Division of pseudobulbs or keiki (plantlets); ensure each division has healthy pseudobulbs.