How to Make a Dendrobium Flower

Keep the Dendrobium orchid in a pot with a drainage hole, in peat moss, fern fiber or other orchid potting medium. These orchids need good drainage and air circulation for their roots, and fail in thick soil foundations. Mix your own potting mix with 10 parts fir bark and 1 part orchid potting mix for these orchids.

Put Dendrobiums in indirect or partial sunlight or full artificial light. Dendrobiums do well in morning sun and afternoon shade, north- and south-facing windows and well-lit indoor rooms. Ideal temperatures stay between 75 and 85 degrees F during the day and 60 and 65 degrees F during the night.

Water Dendrobiums every 10 to 12 days with 2 inches of water. These orchids do best when their roots dry between waterings, and flower better under slightly dry conditions. Don't over water the orchid or allow it to sit in water for any length of time, as this leads to root rot.

Feed Dendrobiums once a month with 3-1-1, 25-9-9 or other high-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer according to manufacturer directions and add it to a regular orchid watering. Feed the Dendrobium at every watering when you see new growth in fall, winter and spring to encourage blooming.