How to Grow Hardcane Dendrobiums

[Alexis in Redland]

I totally disagree that they don't need fertilizer and that they don't get any in nature. Orchids in nature get plenty of nutrients in the rainwater, in decaying plant material, in animal droppings, etc.

Fertilizing your orchids makes for stronger plants (which grow faster, resist bug attacks better, resist disease attack better, forgive temperature extremes easier, put out roots faster) and better, more frequent blooming.

My Dendrobiums bloom on multiple spikes and the flowers last upwards of 6 months at a time. But fertilizing them is critical!

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Alexis in Redland

I totally disagree that they don't need fertilizer and that they don't get any in nature.

You know, I didn't catch that statement. You are quite right. But I assume the author ment man made fertilizer. However everyone needs some kind of nourishment. Especially an epiphyte.
Good catch.