intermediateuncommonDendrobium
Old-Man Dendrobium
Dendrobium senile
Pseudobulbs covered in white hairs; lemon-scented yellow flowers.
Bloomsyellow
Sign in to addWaterlow
Allow to dry between waterings
Lighthigh
Bright light
Foodlow
Feed lightly
Temp
55-85°F
Humidity
40-60%
Origin
Myanmar, Laos, Thailand
Special care:Dry winter rest
About Old-Man Dendrobium
Researching Old-Man Dendrobium…
Care guide
Potting medium
Tight pot with fine-to-medium bark; many growers mount on cork slabs.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years; they bloom best slightly pot-bound.
Bloom season
Spring after a cool, dry winter rest.
Bloom longevity
3–6 weeks; sprays can be very showy.
Growth habit
Sympodial, with tall cane-like pseudobulbs.
Propagation
Keikis form on old canes; remove with roots and pot up.
Pests & prevention
Aphids on new growth, scale on canes.
Signs of trouble
- ●No blooms → skipped the winter rest (cool + dry Nov–Feb)
- ●Leaf drop on bare canes → normal for deciduous types
- ●Black spots on canes → fungal; improve airflow
Grower's tips
- ★Do not cut leafless canes — they store energy and may bloom again.
- ★Withhold fertilizer Nov–Feb to trigger bloom.
