Dendrobium Sweet Dawn

Dendrobium Judith Nakayama - similar to Den Sweet Dawn

Dendrobium Sweet Dawn

Dendrobium(Den) Sweet Dawn is a beautiful orchid with crystalline long-lasting white flowers and a sweet fragrance! There are many hybrids similar to Den Sweet Dawn that are also beautiful and moderately easy to take care of once you know what growing conditions they need. Read on, and we'll tell you how to grow these beautiful orchids!

Shown to the left is Den Judith Nakayama which is very similar to Sweet Dawn. Both of these Dens have been bred from Den Dawn Maree. Dawn Maree was created in 1993 and is a cross between two species, cruentum and formosum.

Light. Dendrobium orchids in enjoy bright light and will need this to flower. Bright dappled sunlight will suit them best, but be sure they are lightly shaded during the warmest part of the day.

Water. These plants like to be watered generously during most of the year (spring through late summer) when they are actively growing. Water well and let them dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce the amount of water somewhat, as temperatures drop to about 50-55 degrees at night in the fall, and allow them to dry out between watering over winter. Misting the plants heavily, rather than watering them during winter may be sufficent. Be sure to maintain adequate humidity of 50% or more to prevent the 'canes' from shriveling.

Temperature. These orchids are happy with intermediate to warm conditions, of approximately 75-85 during the day and 55-65 degrees at night. Cooler temperatures in the fall are particularly important in encourage blooming. (See our other tips on blooming orchids)

Potting Mix. Any free draining orchid mix will do. Small and medium fir bark, with some coarse perlite mixed in, should provide adequate drainage. Most dens like to be under potted so make sure the pots is just big enough to accommodate the roots comfortably. Plastic pots will help conserve moisture-if you grow dens in clay pots you may need to water them more frequently. Repot every 12-18 months or whenever the potting mix begins to decay. Do not remove old canes/stems when you repot, unless they are completely dried and dead.

Fertilizer. Fertilize plants regularly with an orchid plant food. Use a standard orchid fertilizer for foliage growth, once you seen new green shoots emerge from the base of the plant after blooming. As stem/canes mature in late summer, switch to a blossom booster fertilizer to encourage flowering. Fertilize less frequently when growth slows down in the fall and winter. Be sure not to fertilize dry plants-water them first before you feed!

Flowers. Flowers are produced along the leaf stems generally in the fall through spring months. Buds first appear as little bumps in the leaf axil. Dendrobium Dawn Maree flowers can last for two months or more! Related hybrids, such as Sweet Dawn also have long lasting blooms. Keep plants on the cooler side(65-70), moist and bright, while they are in flower. Most of the flower in this group of hybrids are white with varying amounts of yellow or orange in the lip and are lightly fragrant. Lip shape and color varies depending on the hybrid. All are charming and worth collecting.

Remember, there are thousands of different dendrobiums, all with specific cultural needs. While the dens described here are related to the more common Thai Dendrobium orchids, that produce long stems of flowers, they need different conditions as we have described to grow and bloom. Do not neglect their seasonal needs for cooler temperatures and reduced waterings otherwise they will not do well. Learn about other orchids you can also grow at home on the windowsill!