Why will I love it?
The bamboo orchid (Dendrobium nobile) is a delicate masterpiece. Its arching canes and fragrant, waxy blooms in pink, purple or white bring a touch of the tropics indoors.
Light or shade?
It thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch.
Where should I put it?
This beauty will feel at home near an east- or west-facing bathroom window, where it can luxuriate in higher humidity levels, mimicking its natural habitat.
How do I keep it alive?
Try to recreate its rainforest home by maintaining a stable environment with temperatures of about 18-24C and regularly misting its leaves. Keep the soil moist, but refrain from waterlogging it. During winter, allow the top inch of potting mix to dry between waterings. In its active growth period, from spring to early autumn, feed with orchid fertiliser every two to four weeks.
Did you know …
The bamboo orchid’s botanical name means “tree life”, which refers to its epiphytic nature (growing on another plant). Beyond its aesthetic allure, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine, to promote wellness and soothe ailments.
