The Honohono Orchid (Dendrobium anosmum) is a captivating epiphytic orchid with strikingly pendulous blooms and a delightful fragrance. While its botanical name, “anosmum,” means “scentless,” this orchid produces a pleasant aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, this species grows on trees. Its long, arching canes display oblong-elliptic, deciduous leaves that drop before the spring flowering season.
Honohono Orchid Care
Light
Honohono Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light conditions. Indoors, an east, west, or lightly shaded south-facing window provides suitable illumination. Too little light can result in darker green leaves, while excessive direct sunlight may cause leaves to yellow or burn. Optimal light encourages healthy growth and abundant flower production.
Watering
During its active growing season, the Honohono Orchid requires consistent and abundant watering. Water freely in summer and allow the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. In fall, watering should be reduced, and in winter and early spring, it should be minimal for dormancy. Watering in the morning is best to allow the roots to dry before nightfall, preventing mold or rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Honohono Orchids prefer moderate to warm temperatures, with daytime 78-86°F (26-30°C) and nighttime 61-68°F (16-20°C). A daily temperature drop of 7-11°C is beneficial for stimulating flowering. Maintaining high humidity, ideally 80-90% in summer and 70% in winter, is important for their health. Placing plants on gravel trays with water or using a humidifier can help increase humidity.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, Honohono Orchids are considered heavy feeders. A balanced orchid fertilizer, applied at half strength weekly or every two weeks, is suitable. From spring to mid-summer, a high-nitrogen fertilizer can be used, transitioning to a high-phosphorus fertilizer until late fall. Fertilization should be significantly reduced or stopped during the dormancy period to prevent burning or inhibiting flowering.
Potting Medium and Mounting
For potted Honohono Orchids, a well-draining, loose, and airy medium is essential to prevent root rot. Suitable options include a mix composed of bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss. Repotting is done every two to three years, or when the potting medium starts to break down, ideally after flowering when new roots begin to emerge. Due to their pendulous growth habit, Honohono Orchids are well-suited for mounting on tree fern plaques or cork, mimicking their natural epiphytic environment and promoting excellent air circulation.
Dormancy Requirements
A distinct dry and cool winter dormancy period is crucial for successful flowering of the Honohono Orchid. This rest period begins around October or November and continues until early spring. During dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced, providing just enough moisture to prevent pseudobulbs from shriveling, and fertilization should be stopped. Cooler night temperatures, around 60°F (15°C), combined with high light, help induce flower bud formation. As flower buds begin to swell in late winter or early spring, watering should be gradually increased.
Propagating Honohono Orchids
Honohono Orchids can be effectively propagated from keikis, small plantlets that form on the parent plant’s pseudobulbs. These keikis are genetic clones and will develop their own root systems. Once a keiki reaches 2 inches tall and has developed a sufficient root system, it can be carefully removed from the parent cane. These new plantlets can then be potted individually in a suitable bark mix to establish new plants.
Another method for propagation is division, performed when a mature Honohono Orchid outgrows its pot. During repotting, separate the plant into sections, ensuring each division has at least three pseudobulbs with healthy roots. This method creates larger, more established plants than keiki propagation.
Troubleshooting Honohono Orchid Issues
Despite careful attention, Honohono Orchids may experience issues that indicate environmental stress or pest problems. If pseudobulbs shrivel despite adequate watering during the growing season, it might suggest root damage or an issue with nutrient uptake. A lack of blooms, even after providing a proper dormancy period, may point to insufficient light or incorrect temperature fluctuations. Increasing light exposure often encourages blooming.
Yellowing leaves can be a natural occurrence as canes mature and prepare for dormancy. However, yellowing accompanied by limpness or sogginess might indicate overwatering leading to root rot or fungal infection. Ensuring good air circulation is paramount to prevent fungal issues like leaf blight or botrytis blight, appearing as dark spots or browning.
Common pests that may affect Honohono Orchids include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the plant can help detect these pests early. Spider mites may cause silvering or browning on leaves, while thrips can damage new shoots and flower buds. Prompt identification and appropriate treatment maintain plant health.