Dendrobium Garden

Musk Dendrobium (Dendrobium parishii)

1. Botanical Characteristics
   Morphology: Stems oblique or pendulous, cylindrical (10–30 cm long, 1–1.3 cm thick); leaves leathery, narrowly oblong (7.5–12.5 cm long), apex asymmetrically bilobed.
   Flowers: Large, thin-textured purple blooms; lip rhombic-orbicular with dense villi and dark purple patches, edged with cilia; emits a strong musky scent resembling camphor.
   Flowering period: May–July, with individual flowers lasting 10–15 days.
2. Distribution and Habitat
   Native range: Southeastern Yunnan and Guizhou in China, extending to India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
   Habitat: Epiphytic on tree trunks or rocks in montane forests (900–1800 m elevation). Thrives in warm (15–28°C), humid (>60% humidity), semi-shaded conditions; intolerant of direct sunlight.
3. Cultivation and Propagation
   Planting methods:
   Mounting: Best on fir or fernwood boards with minimal sphagnum moss; avoid covering new buds. Snakewood boards require no moss due to high moisture retention.
   Potting: Use porous containers filled with bark, charcoal, or perlite; layer shards at the base for drainage.
   Care guidelines:
   Watering: Twice daily (morning/evening) in summer (>30°C); reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
   Fertilization: Apply 0.1% KNO₃ or KH₂PO₄ after root establishment; switch to 0.3% NPK compound fertilizer every 7–15 days during growth.
   Propagation: Old canes cut and disinfected with ash, mounted horizontally on boards; maintain humidity via misting for bud sprouting.