The dendrobium (den-DRO-bee-um) orchid is the second-largest genus in the orchid family, with over a thousand naturally occurring species. Most dendrobiums are epiphytic in nature — they grow on tree branches for support, while a few are lithophytic — they grow on rocks. They are very widespread throughout the Asian and South Pacific tropics and subtropics. This large group of orchids is very diverse in flower color and plant growth.

What most people see in the marketplace today are the hybrid evergreen types that are specially bred for the potted-plant market. Through selective breeding, orchid hybridizers have developed brightly colored, long-lasting flowers on small plants that bloom several times a year.

Science has developed a method of tissue culture called mericloning. A desirable orchid is selected, and literally thousands of little 'clones' can be grown from tiny bits of the mother plant. This allows the orchid grower to produce a consistent high-quality plant at a very reasonable price. You can often find first-bloom dendrobiums for $10 or less at the grocery store, drug store, shopping malls, flea markets, craft fairs, open markets, hardware stores, and of course, your local garden shop.

These potted-plant dendrobi-ums are becoming very popular as table decorations for birthday parties, anniversaries and weddings. Want a party gift that people will remember two months later? Use dendrobiums, and the flowers will last that long or longer. Talk about value! When ordering, remember to order a few extra for the older folks; it will surely win you points in popularity.

There are also cut-flower dendrobiums. These have been specially bred to produce long sprays of numerous flowers. Plant size tends to be much larger than the potted-plant type. The flower sprays, after being cut, will 'last for weeks in a vase with water. These also are commonly used for lei-making and decorations in hotels and restaurants.

Care for dendrobiums is very simple. While in bloom, you can keep them indoors in a brightly lit room. Normal humidity indoors (50 percent to 70 percent) is fine. For watering, allow the growing medium to dry slightly before watering, so probably once or twice a week is enough. After flowering, take them outside into an area that receives filtered sunlight. You can pot your dendrobiums in many different types of media, from blue rock, black or red cinder, redwood bark or coconut to hapu'u (tree fern) — almost anything that provides good drainage.

Repot in the late spring into summer when you see new growths emerging from the base of the plant. Avoid overpotting, as a large pot will cause the roots to dry too slowly, causing root rot. Fertilizing is simple, too. There are many time-release fertilizers on the market. If you are busy like me, this is the way to go! Water-soluble types also are good, but you need to be consistent. Whichever way you choose, you can't go wrong with a balanced formula.

With the introduction of new varieties, the popularity of dendrobiums will continue to grow in Hawai'i. As more people get exposed to dendrobiums and succeed in growing them, we will surely see a renewed interest in growing orchids as a hobby. For more information on growing orchids, contact your local orchid society or visit one of the upcoming shows.