Dendrobium orchids

Do not buy any orchid plants even if they are in full bloom or showing no sign of wilting when healthy white roots not growing above the planting medium.

Dendrobium orchids have thick spongy roots. These roots are capable of absorbing moisture through humid air. These roots cannot tolerate compact and constantly wet/soggy planting medium; they need good aeration for respiration. That is why these plants are never planted in soil. The planting medium for them can be mixture of brickbats, charcoal and a few pieces of coco chips (pieces of coconut outer skin with fibers attached to them). In nature, they grow on tree trunks or even on dead wood. They are not parasites; they cling to plants only for support. Such plants are called as epiphytes.

Do not buy any orchid plants even if they are in full bloom or showing no sign of wilting when healthy white roots not growing above the planting medium.