Dendrobium loddigesii aka Anemone Dendrobe

Dendrobium loddigesii is an orchid that lives for many years. It comes from southern China and Indo-China. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Its range includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It grows on tree trunks and rocks in mountain forests. These sites lie at heights of 1,312–4,921 feet [400–1,500 metres]. It is an epiphyte, which grows on trees, or a lithophyte, which grows on rocks. It does not grow in ordinary soil.

This small orchid keeps some leaves year-round, making it semi-evergreen. It forms clumps with cane-like stems that trail. RHS gives a garden height and spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. Sources give different stem lengths. RHS lists canes that reach 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants lists stems of 0.3–1.5 feet [0.1–0.45 metres]. These stems may have branches. Thin white sheaths along the canes bear fleshy green leaves. Each leaf is about 0.13–0.20 feet [0.04–0.06 metres] long.

Short flower stalks grow from nodes near the upper cane tips. These nodes are points where new growth starts. The canes may have leaves or lack them. Each stalk bears one scented bloom that lasts well. Flowers are about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. Pale pink or pale purple petals frame a round lip. A white fringe edges the lip around its yellow or orange centre. RHS suggests growing this orchid in homes, conservatories and greenhouses.

Give it indirect light and keep the air moist. RHS suggests summer temperatures of 20–25°C and winter temperatures of 8–14°C. Its UK hardiness rating is H1C, so guard it from frost. Mount it on cork or wood where the air stays moist. Or use a basket filled with medium-grade orchid bark. Add perlite, moss or coir to the mix. Mist in spring and summer to keep the air moist. Let roots dry between waterings; take extra care in winter. Keep roots a little cramped, and do not disturb them often. Repot in spring as growth starts, before the mix breaks down.

You need not prune it as a rule. You can remove spent flowers. Keep whole canes unless they have shrivelled all the way. Divide full-grown plants when they outgrow their pots. Older canes may also grow small shoots called keiki. Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mites. RHS notes few problems with disease. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove food safety. Firms use extracts from leaves and stems in skin-care products they sell.