Flat orchid - Characteristics and detailed growing instructions for beginners

Flat orchid (scientific name Dendrobium sulcatum) is a popular wild orchid in Vietnam, easy to domesticate, bright yellow flowers, light fragrance, flat grooved stem.

Flat orchid , scientifically known as Dendrobium sulcatum, is one of the rare and beloved wild orchids in Vietnam. It stands out with each cluster of bright yellow flowers, a flat stem with unique grooves and a very pleasant, mild fragrance. In addition, this orchid is also very easy to grow, easy to domesticate and is suitable for those who are new to orchids and do not have much experience.

In today's article, let's explore in detail the origin, characteristics, and how to properly grow and care for flat orchid to help you easily "conquer" this natural wild orchid species.

Origin & distribution of flat orchid

Flat orchid has the scientific name Dendrobium sulcatum, belongs to the genus Dendrobium, discovered around the 19th century. This is a native orchid species of tropical Asia, mainly distributed in the following countries:

• Vietnam: Northern regions such as Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Central Highlands regions such as Dak Lak, Gia Lai.
• Laos, India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar,...

In nature, flat orchids live on large tree trunks or cling to mossy cliffs in year-round humid dense forests at altitudes of 300 - 1,200 meters above sea level.

In Vietnam, this orchid species is now commonly grown in wooden panels or hanging baskets for decoration.

The name “sulcatum” in Latin means “grooved” referring to the orchid's distinctive longitudinal grooves on its stems.

How to identify flat orchid

Shape of flowers, leaves, and stems of flat orchids

Below are details about the morphology of the Dendrobium orchid. Let's learn more to be able to distinguish this orchid from 1000 other orchid species in the Dendrobium genus.

Close :

• Flat body, with deep grooves along both sides of the body - the main identifying feature of flat orchid.
• 25 - 50 cm long, drooping or hanging down.
• Has yellowish green or dark green color depending on age.

Leaves :

• Alternate, soft, thin, lanceolate
• Length 6 - 10 cm, width 1.5 - 2.5 cm
• Leaves usually fall in early spring - late fall, the time before the tree flowers.

Flower :

• Grows in clusters, drooping, each cluster has from 5 - 15 flowers.
• Bright yellow petals, throat with prominent orange spots.
• Round, symmetrical petals, flower tongue covered with a layer of fine hairs.
• Flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance.
• Flowers bloom from March to May, depending on the climate.
• The whole flower cluster blooms for 2 - 3 weeks.

Physiological characteristics :

• Flat orchids grow quickly if grown in bright, moist conditions.
• Easy to domesticate, easy to grow.

How to grow and care for flat orchids from A to Z

Instructions for growing flat orchids.

Although the Flat Dendrobium is a wild orchid species, it has now been bred to suit artificial growing conditions and does not require too much care. You just need to refer to the detailed instructions below to ensure that you will own beautiful pots of Flat Dendrobium orchids.

Select seedlings & growing medium

The first step before planting flat orchids is to choose the right variety and substrate. Please note the following.

Choose flat orchid varieties :

• Choose plants with flat trunks, clear grooves, not crushed, roots are not waterlogged or damaged.
• Tissue-propagated trees can be prioritized because they are easier to domesticate than natural forest trees.

Prepare suitable substrate :

• Prioritize growing media with high durability such as longan wood or star apple.
• If planting in pots, choose airy terracotta pots combined with charcoal.
• Mold on the substrate should be treated by soaking in diluted lime or lime water before planting orchids.

How to grow flat orchid

For flat orchids to take root quickly and grow well, you need to master the following basic orchid growing techniques:

• Treat the plant before transplanting: Soak the seedling in a diluted Physan 20 solution for 10 - 15 minutes to kill bacteria. You can also soak it in a root stimulant solution and then hang it in a cool place for 1 - 2 days before planting.

• Grafting trees on wood/coir: Use nylon rope or zip ties to fix the tree to the wood/coir. Graft at an angle to allow for easy drainage.

• Planting in pots: Line the bottom of the pot with a layer of charcoal or pine bark, then plant the tree shallowly, without burying the roots. Use clamps to secure the tree to the substrate.

Care of Flat Cymbidium Orchids

This is an important factor that determines whether the orchid will grow quickly and bloom on time. You need to provide a stable living environment and a reasonable care regimen with the following criteria:

• Light : Maintain natural light from 60 - 70%, do not plant under harsh sunlight.
• Temperature : 18 - 30 degrees Celsius, especially cool at night for the plant to flower well.
• Humidity : Maintain 50 - 70%, if the weather is too dry, mist regularly.
• Watering : In the dry season, water twice a day in the early morning and cool afternoon. In the rainy season, limit watering, only water when the substrate is dry to limit waterlogging.

Fertilize appropriately for each stage

For each stage of development of flat orchid, you need to fertilize with different types of fertilizer, such as the following:

• Growth stage : Fertilize with NPK 20-20-20 every 10 days, add B1 or Humic to stimulate root growth.
• Flowering preparation stage : Fertilize with NPK 6-30-30, reduce watering to help "differentiate" flower buds.

Pruning and handling flat orchids after they have withered

Pruning after the orchid has died is an important step. You need to follow the instructions below.

• Pruning time : After the entire flower cluster has wilted and the flower spike is completely dry.
• Sterilize tools : Sterilize scissors and razor blades with 70-degree alcohol to avoid spreading pathogens.
• Cut off wilted flowers : Cut close to the base of the flower spike, do not damage the main stem. If you see yellow, wilted, or spotted leaves, cut them off immediately.
• Wound treatment : After cutting, apply scar glue or lime powder to disinfect the wound.

Post-flowering recovery care

After a flowering season, you need to take care of the plant to help it recover quickly and be ready for the next flowering season.

• After 1 - 2 days of cutting the flowers, reduce watering.
• After 1 week, start fertilizing with NPK 30-10-10 to stimulate new shoots.
• Hang the orchid basket in a well-ventilated place with soft light to help the plant recover quickly.
• Spray fungicide if the weather is humid for a long time.

Disease prevention for flat orchids

To help flat orchids limit disease, you need to prevent disease properly according to the following instructions:

• Flat orchid root rot, stem rot : Do not let water accumulate at the base, use specialized fungicide for orchids.
• Flat orchid has leaf spots, leaf burn : Cut off diseased leaves to avoid infection, spray Physan or Nano silver to treat.
• Flat orchid has aphids, red spider mites : Remove by hand if the number is small, spray with Confidor if there are many.

Flat orchid price list

Currently, the price of flat orchids varies greatly depending on the origin, purity and region. To explore the details, please refer to the following price list.

Note :

• Although wild flat orchids are cheap, they are difficult to domesticate and require experience.
• If you don't have much experience, you should choose the purebred type.
• Check that the plant has enough buds, strong roots, and is free of fungus and disease before purchasing.

Questions and answers about flat orchid

Are flat orchids easy to grow?

Yes, although the flat orchid is a wild orchid, it is easy to domesticate and adapts well to Vietnam's climate.

Are flat orchids fragrant?

Yes, Flat Lily has a light, pleasant fragrance and is usually most fragrant in the early morning.

What month does the flat orchid bloom?

Flat orchids usually bloom from March to May every year.

The most beautiful flat orchid pictures

We invite you to admire the most beautiful and brilliant images of flat orchids that we have compiled below to understand why Vietnamese orchid enthusiasts love this wild orchid so much.

A pot of flat orchid shows off its brilliant beauty in the night.

Close-up of a bunch of flat orchids in full bloom.

A flat orchid with three clusters of super beautiful bright yellow flowers.

The flat orchid clusters are blooming shyly.

A huge flat orchid cluster with 3 flower branches.

Thus, through the article on orchid-vn.com, we have shared detailed information about the flat orchid - a popular wild orchid species in Vietnam. Hopefully, with the above knowledge, you will be able to successfully grow this orchid species and own the most beautiful and brilliant orchid pots to decorate your garden.

Don't forget to visit our Blog section to discover more beautiful and popular wild orchids to gain more experience about orchids.