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Dendrobium Orchid
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Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameDendrobium Orchid
DescriptionDiverse and popular orchid genus featuring elegant sprays of flowers along cane-like pseudobulbs in colors ranging from pure white, pink, purple, yellow to lavender, often with contrasting lips or centers. Second largest orchid genus with over 1,800 species displaying remarkable variety in size, form, and growing requirements. Widely cultivated for cut flowers, leis, and as easy-care houseplants that can bloom multiple times per year.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusDendrobium
TribeDendrobieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Bilaterally symmetrical, bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals with one modified into lip), 1 stamen fused with style forming column, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary typical of Orchidaceae

Features
  • Name 'Dendrobium' derives from Greek 'dendron' (tree) and 'bios' (life), meaning 'life on trees,' referring to epiphytic growth habit. Second largest orchid genus after Bulbophyllum, with species ranging from miniatures to giants
  • Flowers appear in sprays along cane-like pseudobulbs, with 5-20 blooms per spray. Individual flowers measure 1-4 inches across with waxy texture. Two main types: Nobile-type (flowers along entire cane) and Phalaenopsis-type (flowers on terminal spray)
  • Sympodial epiphytic perennial growing from pseudobulbs (canes) that store water and nutrients. Some species are deciduous, dropping leaves after flowering; others are evergreen. Blooms spring or fall depending on type, with flowers lasting 4-8 weeks
  • Height ranges from 6 inches (15 cm) for miniatures to 4 feet (120 cm) for large species. Pseudobulbs can be 6-36 inches long. Lifespan of 10-20 years or more. Propagated by division of pseudobulbs or keikis (plantlets)
  • Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands from India to Japan and New Zealand. Found growing on trees in diverse habitats from hot lowlands to cool mountain forests at elevations up to 3,000 meters
  • Requirements vary by type: Nobile types need cool winter rest (50-55°F/10-13°C) to bloom; Phalaenopsis types prefer constant warmth (65-85°F/18-29°C). Most need bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix
  • Excellent cut flowers lasting 1-3 weeks in water. Widely used in Hawaiian leis, corsages, and floral arrangements. Some species used in traditional Asian medicine. Among the easiest orchids for beginners to grow and rebloom

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificDendrobium
English (Alternate)Cane Orchid, Nobile Orchid, and Spray Orchid
Hindiडेंड्रोबियम ऑर्किड (Ḍenḍrobiyam Orkiḍ)
Tamilடென்ட்ரோபியம் ஆர்க்கிட் (Ṭenṭrōpiyam Ārkiṭ)
Teluguడెండ్రోబియం ఆర్కిడ్ (Ḍenḍrōbiyaṁ Ārikiḍ)
Malayalamഡെൻഡ്രോബിയം ഓർക്കിഡ് (Ḍenḍrōbiyaṁ Ōrkiḍ)
Kannadaಡೆಂಡ್ರೋಬಿಯಂ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Ḍenḍrōbiyaṁ Ārkiḍ)
Sanskritवृक्षजीवपुष्पम् (Vṛkṣajīvapuṣpam)
Bengaliডেনড্রোবিয়াম অর্কিড (Ḍenḍrōbiẏāma arkiḍa)
Frenchorchidée dendrobium
Russianдендробиум (dendrobium)
Spanishorquídea dendrobium
GermanDendrobium-Orchidee

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.