Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium orchids are fascinating flowers that inhabit the trees of tropical destinations. The blooms are used as houseplants and fresh cut flowers that beautify homes and make lovely gifts. But there are also other uses for dendrobium orchids: they are a prominent ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine and a cultural symbol throughout Asia and the Pacific islands. Dendrobium orchids are a staple at Kremp Florist, and customers are able to take these beauties home or give them to friends year round.

The Science Behind Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium is a genus of flowers in the Orchidaceae family. Swedish botanist, Olof Swartz, described the flowers in 1799 and introduced the genus to the western world. There are so many types of dendrobium orchids, that the genus has been reclassified several times, and includes approximately 1200 species.

The genus of Dendrobium includes “epiphytic” flowers, meaning they grow exclusively on trees. The flowers grow from a pseudobulb, and reproduce from seeds or asexually within the same flower in some species. Dendrobiums have long leaves that can completely envelope the stem. When they bloom, anywhere from 4-100 flowers will cover the length of the stem, creating a beautiful display. Because Dendrobium orchids grow in trees, they extract their water and nutrients from the air around them. The flowers bloom quickly in summer, but then go through a dormant period; some orchids can have dormant periods of up to 2 years.

Native Habitat

Dendrobium orchids are highly adaptable flowers that are able to grow in various regions. The plants are most commonly found in Asian countries including China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Vietnam. They are also found in Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the Pacific islands. These climates include the high-altitude mountains of the Himalayas, tropical forests, and even deserts. Many commercially grown orchids also come from these parts of the world.

A Useful Flower

Dendrobium orchids bring beauty everywhere they make their homes as plants and cut flowers. But there is more to this pretty flower than what meets the eye. The Noble variety of dendrobium is a prominent herb used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The plant also has the ability to remove harmful toxins from the air including toluene and xylene.

Dendrobium orchids have taken on the meanings of refinement, beauty, congratulations, peace, love, honor, and friendship. They are adored all across the world, but especially in their native countries. That’s why many asian cities have chosen the dendrobium orchid as an emblem. They also appeared on Australian stamps and on vintage Singapore currency.

Fresh Dendrobium Orchid Arrangements

Dendrobium orchids make beautiful additions to many types of flower arrangements. Their stems feature many blooms along their length in colors of white, purple, green, and orange. They are petite in height, so floral designers commonly arrange them in low vases of water or high style arrangements that utilize floral foam to hold the short stems. Dendrobiums do not emit a fragrance, making them the perfect choice for allergy sufferers. Kremp Florist recommends stunning dendrobium orchids in designs like:

• Tropicals. Make a nod to the orchid’s home by pairing the stems with tropical flowers like birds of paradise, protea, ginger, and leafy greenery.

• Corsages/Boutonnieres. With the meaning of congratulations, dendrobiums are well-suited to prom and graduation corsages and boutonnieres. The white or purple blooms are fastened to wristlets with complimentary ribbons and accent flowers. Dendrobiums are hearty cut flowers that last well in wearable arrangements without water sources.

• Premium Flower Arrangements. Dendrobium orchids may come with a higher price tag than some other stems in the flower shop, but customers get a great bang for their buck with the many blooms dotted along the orchid’s stem. The harder texture that makes orchids long lasting also adds a complimentary counterpoint to premium flower arrangements with fluffy blooms like peonies, garden roses, and hydrangea.

• Leis. Floral leis are often given as welcome gifts in Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Many leis are made from dendrobium orchids because of their enticing purple or fuschia color and ability to last well, even without water. Individual dendrobium blooms are removed from the stem and sewn together to form a necklace, representing that the person is an honored guest.

Contact Kremp Florist to see and feel enchanting dendrobium orchids for yourself.

Read More