Dendrobium nobile aka Noble Dendrobium

Dendrobium nobile is called the noble rock orchid. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Its native range runs from Nepal to southern China and Indo-China. It grows on tree trunks and rocks in damp forests. It also grows in mountain forests and rocky mountain valleys. Its roots do not grow in the ground.

Thick, fleshy stems form a clump with upright branches. Swollen growths called pseudobulbs store water. Garden plants grow about 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] tall. They can spread to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Another account gives a stem height of 2 feet [0.6 metres]. The oval leaves grow about 2–3 inches long. Plants may keep their leaves when grown in gardens or pots. Some lose part of their leaves. They take two to five years to reach full size.

The flowers have a scent and bloom from winter into spring. They grow in groups and reach about two inches across. Rose-pink petals surround a lip with a deep maroon mark. The flowers are the main reason to display this small orchid. Growers keep it in pots for its looks. The RHS lists it for homes, greenhouses, and conservatories. It can spend summer outdoors in a suitable spot with shelter.

Use a potting mix for epiphytic orchids, which grow without soil roots. Give it part shade from late spring through summer. At this time, it needs good airflow and moist air. Give it plenty of water and feed at every third watering. The RHS says to mist twice each day for moister air. Aim for daytime warmth of 18–25°C and nights above 10°C. Give it plenty of light from autumn through early spring. Keep it dry in winter. Its UK hardiness rating is H1C; protect it from frost. Divide plants when they get too large for their pots. It needs no routine pruning. You may need to cut back stems once their flowers fade.

Aphids, red spider mites, and mealybugs may attack the plant. The RHS reports few disease problems. Useful Tropical Plants lists no food uses or known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets. Chinese and Vietnamese medicine use it for several complaints. These are records of past use, not proof that treatments work. The plant contains mucilage and an alkaloid called dendrobine. Cosmetics also use extracts from its flowers and other parts.