Shoe Orchid
dendrobium anosmum
Also known as: ["Odorless Dendrobium","Swamp Orchid"]
Overview
A large epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, known for its pendulous racemes of large, fragrant (or odorless) flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Dendrobium |
| Botanical Name: | Dendrobium anosmum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, filtered light or shaded outdoor area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially during hot, dry periods
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Orchid bark mix with perlite or coarse sand for aeration and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to remove dead material.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove only dead or non-productive parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun exposure in spring/summer, dappled shade in hot months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to stronger light; protect from direct midday sun to avoid scorching; place in east-facing windows indoors or under shade cloth outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade with bright, indirect light
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite
pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5).
Use a well-aerated mix; avoid heavy potting soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); cooler nights (55–65°F) during winter encourage blooming.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain cooler nights for blooming; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth, monthly in winter
Flush pots with plain water monthly to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer after watering to avoid root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (keikis) or division of pseudobulb clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem or pseudobulb, cut below a node, apply hormone (optional), place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.
Medium
Fine orchid bark mix or sphagnum moss with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower spikes at the base; trim dead pseudobulbs just above the base.
Pruning Plan
Focus on removing spent flower spikes and dead or damaged pseudobulbs to encourage new growth and blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, cut dead material, avoid live pseudobulbs, clean up debris
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the start of the growing season.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has ample drainage holes.
Method
Remove old medium, trim dead roots, repot in fresh orchid mix with good drainage, position pseudobulbs above the pot rim.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the potting medium breaks down; essential for healthy root growth.
Checklist
Prepare new mix, inspect roots, trim if necessary, position plant correctly, water lightly after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting
How to Apply Water Properly
Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot; focus on the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely; avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of the potting medium is dry; reduce frequency during winter dormancy; increase during active growth in spring and summer.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate orchid bark for aeration; use sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause root damage or leaf discoloration below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; reduced blooming in prolonged high heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer strength, apply during active growth, flush periodically, stop in dormancy
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions if they ingest Dendrobium anosmum. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dendrobium anosmum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDendrobium anosmum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be uncomfortable.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Dendrobium anosmum?
A: Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically every 7-10 days depending on conditions.
Q: Does Dendrobium anosmum require a rest period?
A: Yes, after flowering, reduce watering and allow the plant to rest for several weeks before resuming normal care.
Q: What is the ideal light for Dendrobium anosmum?
A: Bright, indirect light is best; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade with bright, ind |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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