Species of the Month – June 2016
Dendrobium bensoniae Rchb. f. 1867 SECTION Dendrobium
Distribution:
This species is a medium to large sized warm to cold growing growing epiphyte found in North East India, Western 
Himalayan range to Malaysian peninsula.
Canes are yellow, fleshy, cylindrical , erect or pendulous in nature.
Culture:
This species has two distinct seasons in its natural habitat. During its growing season it receives copious rain fall and fertilization and winters are dry and cold. This species is decidous in nature and remains dormant during winter and blooms in early spring on upper nodes of its leafless canes.
Fairly easy to grow in Bangalore.Grow the plant in bright light and keep it moist and fertilize during the growing season. Withold fertilization during winter and regularly mist the canes to keep the canes from shrivelling.
Blooms once a year in spring and blooms can last 2-3 weeks in good care.
Could be grown as mounted or potted but does well if mounted.
Article and Photos by: Mr. Sriram Kumar