Dendrobium nobile
Noble Dendrobium / Shi Hu (石斛)
Photo: Fan Wen — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The classic soft-cane dendrobium — one of the world's most widely grown orchids, and the source of the Chinese herb Shi Hu.
Care Notes
Watering
Heavy water and fertilizer in summer growing season; nearly dry in winter rest.
Potting & Media
Free-draining bark mix or mounted; roots hate standing moisture.
Getting It to Bloom
Needs a cool, dry winter rest (10–13°C for 4–6 weeks) to initiate flowers.
FAQ
Why is my Dendrobium nobile not blooming?
The most common reason is a lack of winter rest. Nobile dendrobiums need cooler nights (around 10–13°C) and reduced watering for 4–6 weeks in winter to set buds.
Is Dendrobium nobile used as medicine?
Yes, its stems are used in traditional Chinese medicine as Shi Hu. Modern research on its compounds is preliminary; see our Health Disclaimer.
Related Guides
Dendrobium Nobile Light & Temperature Requirements
How much light dendrobium nobile needs, the leaf-color test, temperature ranges for nobile vs phalaenopsis types, and the winter chill that triggers blooms.
How to Repot a Dendrobium Nobile Orchid: Step-by-Step Guide
How to repot a dendrobium nobile the right way — timing after flowering, one-size-up pot rule, root assessment, and aftercare. Backed by AOS guidelines.
How Often to Water Dendrobium Nobile (Seasonal Schedule)
The seasonal rhythm that keeps dendrobium nobile alive and blooming: heavy soaks in summer, a dry rest in winter. Backed by AOS guidelines.
Dendrobium Nobile Not Blooming: 7 Reasons & How to Fix It
Dendrobium nobile not blooming? 9 times out of 10 it skipped its winter rest. The complete fix.
Dendrobium Nobile Yellow Leaves: 7 Causes & How to Fix Them
Dendrobium nobile yellow leaves are usually fixable. Learn the 7 causes — from normal aging to root rot — and exactly how to fix each one.