We’re still digging our way out of yet another snowfall; this latest one dumped about 15 centimeters (6 inches) of snow almost a week ago. The previous one, which happened about a week or so before this one, dumped about 25 centimeters (10 inches). Furthermore, it was snowing again the day I started this article, and at that time, we’d been nowhere near clearing away the 15 centimeter (6 inch) accumulation. Oh, and let’s not forget all the snowfalls previous to the abovementioned that blanketed the city - a couple of which caused school cancellations (not that my kids objected).

All in all, I’d say that the past few months have resulted in one of the most exhausting winters since I can remember. Well, I can remember, I just prefer not to. The snow arrived in November and never left, dropping a fresh load as soon as the snow cleaning crews would finish clearing away the most recent batch, or while they were in the midst of plowing through one. So the snow keeps coming down, and frustration levels keep going up as people try to dig, drive, climb and plow their way through it.

There have been quite a few mornings that I’ve remained outside, after my daughter has left on her school bus, to clean the snow off the car. On the milder days, the fresh air is met with approval. On the more frigid ones, it’s met with a muttering of “I hate the %$##$ winter”. Hate it. But not everyone feels the way I do about old man winter. The skiers, skaters, tobogganists, sledders, snowmobilists, and all the other winter sports enthusiasts, rejoice whenever the weatherman announces that another few centimeters of snow is on the way.

And the ‘winter fan club’ doesn’t stop there. It seems the journalists are jumping on that bandwagon. For instance, just last week, I read an article in the local paper – possibly written to pacify the irritated masses – that going outside and shoveling/brushing/pushing away snow is a great form of exercise.

Give. Me. A. Break.

Does the writer of that article honestly believe that instead of the 100,000 more pleasurable, warm-weather related forms of exercise and satisfying activities I can think of, which includes things like cycling, rollerblading, swimming, and gardening, just to name a few, I’m going to choose to be outside in the cold, grudgingly scraping, shoveling and brushing away snow, all the while hoping that I’ll finish the job before my fingers, toes or ears go numb from the cold? I don’t think so. And anyhow, all that so-called health-promoting exercise is cancelled out by the snow-cleaning stress, at least for someone like me who hates winter. Hates it. But anyhow, for those that do love winter, more power to you.

So what does someone like me do to chase away the winter doldrums and get through the ‘I-can’t-wait-till-winter-ends’ period? Well, I’m sure that there are many things one can do to beat the winter's woes, but I manage to survive this period by bringing nature indoors – with houseplants. Not only do I pamper the ones I have a little more this time of year, I also bring new ones home. In fact, I probably purchase more plants during the winter than at any other time during the year. Furthermore, after a major snowstorm or severe cold spell, I always take a drive to one local greenhouse or another, hoping I’ll pick up something new, but mostly just to feel a little closer to nature. It’s my way of staying sane during the darkest, gloomiest and coldest period of the year.

There have been quite a few nice additions to my plant collection this season, but my favorite one so far is the Dendrobium Orchid. Because it’s hardly ever available, and quite expensive when it is, landing a good-sized, reasonably-priced specimen, like I did awhile back, is absolutely amazing.

And while I’m certainly not an Orchid expert, I'd like to offer my 2¢ worth of care advice.


Keeping A Dendrobium Healthy

Orchids are some of the most beautiful and intriguing plants with their unique form and spectacular flower displays, so it’s no wonder that many indoor gardeners are eager to add a few to their houseplant collection. One of the most popular Orchids is the Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) because they are quite easy to grow. But they’re not alone in the spotlight. Dendrobium is another favorite amongst houseplant enthusiasts.

Dendrobium, a large genus widely spread in different regions of Asia and Oceania, consists of over 1000 species of Orchids. Most of them are epiphytic (grow on another plant), but there are several that are lithophytic (grow on rocks). In addition, these Orchids can be deciduous (a plant that sheds most or all of its leaves after the growing season) or evergreen (a plant that retains its leaves year-round).

Although a Dendrobium Orchid is not the easiest plant to grow, it’s not exactly the hardest either, as long as you provide proper care. One of the first things you will discover about these plants is that there are two major groups of hybrids: Dendrobium Nobile (extremely popular) and Dendrobium Phalaenopsis (flowers resemble the ones on the Moth Orchid). Because Dendrobiums have adapted to a variety of growing conditions in their native areas, it’s best to learn about their natural habitat so you can provide them with the care they need. When you purchase a Dendrobium, make sure you ask what type it is.

Here are some general care tips:

When growth begins at the end of winter, water a D. Nobile sparingly until flower buds are well developed, then water moderately but regularly. Reduce watering as the summer comes to an end and water very little in the winter, just enough to prevent the pseudobulbs from withering. D. Phalaenopsis should be kept evenly moist in spring and summer while the pseudobulbs are flowering and growing. Once they are well developed and the plant is not growing as rapidly, gradually reduce watering. Allow the medium to dry somewhat between thorough watering sessions. In the winter time, water moderately; do not allow the pseudobulbs to shrink.

(Pseudobulb: A thickened, bulblike, fleshy stem located above the ground, as in many orchids)

Grow Dendrobiums in an airy, fast-draining medium specific to Orchids. Use a pot that is just large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system; Dendrobiums enjoy feeling a little snug in their containers. If you are using a plastic pot, you may need to provide some type of support that will prevent the plant, which can get quite top heavy, from toppling over.

Ideal growing conditions include bright light with about 2 – 4 hours of direct sun. Plants may need protection against the hot midday sun (11 am – 3 pm) but they will flourish with the full morning sun of an eastern windowsill, the indirect sun of a southern location or the late afternoon sun of a western spot. When given proper amounts of light, the leaves of a Dendrobium are a medium to light green shade, and quite firm. If light levels are too low, the leaves will be long, floppy and dark green, and if they are too high, leaves may turn yellow.

During the winter rest period, it’s best to provide a D. Nobile with cooler temperatures: between 16°C - 18°C (61°F - 64°F) during the day and 10°C - 13°C (50°F - 55°F) at night. During the active growing season, average room temperatures are fine. D. Phalaenopsis enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, and can even cope with levels as high as 30°C (86°F). Ideal levels for this Orchid are between 24°C - 29°C (75°F - 85°F) during the day and 16°C – 18°C (60°F – 65°F) at night. Do not expose to temperatures below 15°C (59°F) for prolonged periods.

These Orchids do best with humidity levels between 60 – 70 percent, but they will manage, and even bloom, in slightly lower levels. To add more moisture in the air, place the plant’s pot on a pebble tray filled with water, add a humidifier nearby or grow in a terrarium or heated greenhouse.

Information on feeding these plants is wide and extremely diverse. Depending on who’s telling the story, you will be advised to feed every week, every two weeks or every month. But there is no exact science to this. Feeding depends on where your plant is placed, and how vigorous the growth is. If your plant is not actively growing, feed it infrequently (about once a month) with diluted levels of fertilizer (1/8 – ¼ recommended strength). If it’s growing in leaps and bounds, feed more often (every week or every second week). Use fertilizer for Orchids.

A Dendrobium Orchid grows very well in hydroculture. Adaptation to the soilless system is quick and easy with little or no symptoms of stress. This is not surprising since most of these Orchids are epiphytic and prefer not to be grown in soil. From my own experience, it seems that the plant retains its flowers during the conversion period, which is fabulous, although I would recommend that you transplant after the flowering period ends – just in case.

Like all Orchids, Dendrobiums will live indefinitely under ideal conditions. And their flower displays last for several weeks, even months, making them that much more desirable as indoor plants.

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