The Dendrobium canaliculatum is one of the more striking species within the large Dendrobium genus. This compact orchid immediately attracts attention with its narrow, furrowed leaves and playfully shaped stems. But it is mainly the flowers that make this species special: clusters of small, star-shaped flowers with an exotic touch, often in shades of cream, yellow, brown or purple. This is an orchid for the true lover, who loves plants with character and a natural look.
Origin
Dendrobium canaliculatum is native to northern Australia and New Guinea. There it grows as an epiphyte on trees in warm, dry forests, often exposed to high sunlight and periodic drought. This origin strongly determines how best to care for it.
Characteristics
This orchid has an erratic growth habit, with slender, often gnarled stems (also called "pseudobulbs") covered with narrow, trench-like leaves. The plant remains fairly compact, but its structure and blooms give it a wild, almost shaggy appearance. The flowers usually appear in spring and are often several at a time on a short stem.
Care
Light
Dendrobium canaliculatum likes plenty of light, even direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. A south or west-facing spot is ideal, provided the plant is gradually accustomed to sunlight to avoid leaf burning.
Humidity
Although this species comes from fairly dry areas, it appreciates moderate to high humidity (around 60-80%). Ensure adequate ventilation, especially at higher humidity levels, to avoid mold problems.
Temperature
This Dendrobium is a heat-loving species and thrives best at temperatures between 20 and 35 °C during the day. At night it may cool down a bit, but try to avoid temperatures below 15 °C. It likes a pronounced difference between day and night temperatures.
Watering
In the growing period (spring and summer), the plant may be watered regularly, but always allow the substrate to dry out thoroughly between waterings. In the dormant period (autumn and winter), this species needs considerably less water. Only give a little occasionally then, so that the stems do not shrivel up completely.
Feeding
During active growth, you can give orchid fertilizer once a month, diluted to half strength. During the dormant period, fertilizing is unnecessary, as the plant stores energy for the next flowering.
Substrate
Use a very airy, coarse mixture, such as coarse bark, charcoal and a little perlite. This species likes fast drainage and a root environment with plenty of air circulation. You can also mount it on a cork bark or tree branch, as in its natural habitat.
Bloom
Dendrobium canaliculatum usually blooms in spring, often after a dry, cooler period. The flowers are small but numerous and often have a fine, spicy fragrance. Leave spent flowering stems until they dry on their own.
Rest period
After flowering and during the cooler months, this species goes into dormancy. Reduce watering drastically and stop fertilizing. Some of the leaves may die, but this is normal. As soon as new shoots appear, you can resume care.
