do dendrobium orchids have a definite life span?

by Orchid Grower

I rescued a common dendrobium from a chain garden store 9 years ago, I nursed it back to health, it took 7 years to bloom again and now is growing canes almost 1 inch in diameter. Will it get bigger? Is it nearing the end of its life span?

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3 comments

1 The Muse { 04.05.10 at 6:35 am }

Dendrobium is a genus of about 1,200 different orchids. You can read more about them here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrobium

2 deeredwoman { 04.05.10 at 6:38 am }

Hi!
Orchids have an indefinite life span. Proper care and it will outlive you & the grand kids.
Sounds like you are doing a super job and it is truly thriving getting larger and healthier!
You should be giving us some tips.

3 Allan J { 04.05.10 at 7:22 am }

Size will depend on the particular species of dendrobium but I’d say by now it has reached maturity.

Theoretically, they don’t have a life span but I have found that, over time, they do lose “vigor” (slower/smaller growth, less flowers). I wouldn’t stress as it will take a long time.

To increase its lifespan, you need to look after it well (you are obviously doing that) and plan to reproduce it by division. Also, dendrobiums often produce “pups” on old canes. These are just little plants that grow from the flowering points that didn’t flower. As soon as the pups grow roots, carefully cut them from the parent and plant normally.

You will find that these will grow vigorously and last a long time.

Good luck – dens are great orchids