Dendrobium Judith Nakayama is a beautiful well know orchid with crystalline long-lasting white flowers and a sweet fragrance!  There are many hybrids similar such as  Den Sweet Dawn that are also beautiful and moderately easy to take care of once you know what growing conditions they need. Read on, and we'll tell you how to grow these beautiful orchids!  This hybrid, like Sweet Dawn, Den was bred from Den Dawn Maree. Dawn Maree was created in 1993 and is a cross between  two species, cruentum and formosum. 

Light. Dendrobium orchids in enjoy bright light and will need this to flower. Bright dappled sunlight will suit them best, but be sure they are lightly shaded during the warmest part of the day. 

Water. These plants like to be watered generously during  most of the year (spring through late summer) when they are actively growing. Water well and let them dry out slightly between waterings.  Reduce the amount of water somewhat, as temperatures drop to about 50-55 degrees at night in the fall, and allow them to dry out between watering over winter. Misting the plants heavily, rather than watering them during winter may be sufficient. Be sure to maintain adequate humidity  of 50% or more to prevent the 'canes' from shriveling. 

Temperature . These orchids are happy with intermediate to warm conditions, of approximately 75-85 during the day and 55-65 degrees at night. Cooler temperatures in the fall are particularly important in encourage blooming. (See our other tips on blooming orchids)

Fertilizer. Fertilize plants regularly with an orchid plant food.  Use a standard orchid fertilizer for foliage growth, once you seen new green shoots  emerge from the base of the plant after blooming. As stem/canes mature in late summer, switch to a blossom booster fertilizer to encourage flowering. Fertilize less frequently when growth slows down in the fall and winter. Be sure not to fertilize dry plants-water them first before you feed!

Flowers. Flowers are produced along the leaf stems generally in the fall through spring months.  Buds first appear as little bumps in the leaf axil.  Dendrobium Dawn Maree flowers can last for two months or more! Related hybrids, such as Sweet Dawn also have long lasting blooms.    Keep plants on the cooler side(65-70), moist and bright, while they are in flower. Most of the flower in this group of hybrids are white with varying amounts of yellow or orange in the lip and are lightly fragrant. Lip shape and color varies depending on the hybrid. All are charming and worth collecting.

Remember, there are thousands of different dendrobiums, all with specific cultural needs. While the dens described here are related to the more common Thai Dendrobium orchids, that produce long stems of flowers, they need different conditions as we have described to grow and bloom. Do not neglect their seasonal needs for cooler temperatures and reduced waterings otherwise they will not do well.