Dendrobium White Fairy

This orchid does well with regular and frequent watering during the summers and spring season. Dendrobium White Fairy should be watered when the soil is dry to touch. Avoid over-watering it as it can lead to root rot. In the winter, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant will go dormant. If the pseudobulbs start to shrivel, you can lightly mist the plant. While these plants are drought-tolerant, regular water will help keep your White Fairy looking its best.

Dendrobium White Fairy likes bright, filtered light and will do best near east or west facing windows. While it does not require direct sunlight, it does need more light than some other types of orchids. If you don’t have bright-ish light, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting. Keep your Dendrobium White Fairy away from cool air conditioning vents or drafty windows.

Dendrobium White Fairy likes temperatures between 60-85 °F (15-29 °C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40-50°F (5-10°C) during its rest period around November-April. It’s important not to expose the plant to any sudden temperature changes. Generally, keep the plant away from radiators, air conditioners, and other possible heat sources.

This species of orchid likes higher humidity and may need extra misting or a humidity tray. A humidity of at least 60% is ideal. You can increase the humidity levels by grouping plants together and rotating humidifiers. Alternatively, you can place the pots on a damp pebble tray which will help elevate the humidity around the plant.

Dendrobium White Fairy does best with well-aerated soil. Using a coarse bark like coir or tree fern bark is a good choice. If using a potting mix, always add some perlite and coarse-grained bark to ensure proper aeration and drainage. You may also want to add some charcoal pieces to your potting mix as charcoal aids in circulation of air and also helps soak up excess moisture in the mix.

Dendrobium White Fairy should be fertilized with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week during the growing season. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer or a 20-20-20 fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can burn the leaves and pseudobulbs. Avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plants are in their dormant phase.

Bugs that commonly attack Dendrobium White Fairy include aphids, whitefly, scale insects, and mealybugs. If you notice these pests, immediately wipe them off with a damp cotton cloth. You can also treat them with insecticidal soap or organic pest oils like neem oil or horticultural oils. For whitefly, you can introduce predatory insects like green lacewing or beneficial fungi to keep the pests in check. It’s important to check your plants regularly to spot any infestations.

Dendrobium White Fairy needs to be re-potted every couple of years, usually in the Spring. Use a coarse bark and a well-draining potting mix. Select a pot that is one size larger than the previous one. While re-potting, be careful to not color the pseudobulbs or roots. Additionally, avoid over-potting plants as this can lead to water-logging.

Unlike many orchids, Dendrobium White Fairy does not need any pruning. As the flowers begin to wilt, allow them to fall off on their own. If you spot any dead or decaying leaves, gently remove them. Removing any dead foliage will help reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases.

Mulching is not recommended as Dendrobium White Fairy prefer well-aerated soil. If you are keen to use mulch, use only a small amount and be sure to keep it away from the pseudobulbs. Spreading a thin layer of gravel can help reduce the chances of root rot.

Dendrobium White Fairy is propagated by using its rhizomes and dividing the root system. If attached to a stone or moss, these sections can be cut away from the mother plant. However, it is best to use a sterile tool to do this. Allow the cuttings to callous before replanting them in individual pots. Keep them in bright, indirect light and be sure to not over-water the cuttings.

Dendrobium White Fairy is a vigorous grower and thus may need support such as a moss pole to keep it upright. The moss pole should be placed gently, using twine or clips to secure it in position in the pot.

Dendrobium White Fairy should be given a rest period for 10 – 12 weeks between December and March. During this time, reduce the watering and move it to a cool, semi-dark area. If you are growing it indoors, you can reduce the amount of light and water and let the plant rest.

Dendrobium White Fairy is not considered to be toxic to humans or pets, but it is important to keep the plant out of reach of children and animals.