🌿 Dendrobium Orchids: From Dadar Market to a Balcony Full of Blooms

It all began one vibrant evening during Ganpati season at Dadar Market. I was walking past the usual stalls of marigolds and garlands when something delicate caught my eye—slender purple orchids tied in small bunches. Their elegance was striking.“He Konta phool ahe?” I asked.“Dendrobium orchid, sir,” the flower vendor replied.

But when I heard the price, it was clear they were out of reach—at least for a college student like me back then. I walked away, but the memory of that orchid never left me.

🌍 The Journey Begins: Orchids from Across India

Years later, as I started traveling more for work and leisure, I made it a point to explore local nurseries, forest trails, and orchid gardens wherever I went. I brought home a little piece of every journey—each in the form of a new orchid.

🛫 From the misty hills of Meghalaya to the tribal markets of Assam, from the dense forests of Kerala to the roadside stalls in Maharashtra, and the lush valleys of North Bengal—I slowly built a collection.

Each orchid had a story. Each one taught me patience. And each one transformed my garden into a living gallery of color and life.

Today, after 7 years of growing orchids, I nurture over 75 plants, many of them Dendrobiums, and here’s everything I’ve learned along the way.

🏡 A New Chapter in Thakurli

I was initially growing my orchids in Powai, where they shared space with a variety of other plants. But it wasn’t until I moved to Thakurli that my collection truly thrived. The fresh air, the monsoon rains, and the east-facing balcony turned out to be the perfect home for them.

And then, something truly special happened.In recognition of my passion and dedication, I was honored with the “Best Orchid Collection Award” by Paryavaran Dakshata Mandal. 🌟

To top it off, last September, I was invited as a guest speaker to share my journey with fellow gardening enthusiasts—where I spoke about orchid care, common mistakes, and how to nurture them with love.

In the coming section, I am walking you through complete care guide about orchids.

🌸 Flowering: How to Make Dendrobiums Bloom Like Crazy

Dendrobiums love routine. And they reward you when they get what they want.

✅ Rest Period = More FlowersIn winter (Dec–Feb), reduce watering and stop fertilizing. This tells the plant: “Time to bloom!”Once spring arrives, flower spikes appear on the mature canes.

✅ Right Light = Big BloomsBright indirect sunlight or morning sun is perfect. More light, more flowers.Too much shade? You'll get leaves, not blooms.

✅ Don’t Cut Old CanesEven after blooming, older green canes can flower again. Let them be.

💧 Watering: Nature Knows Best

This may surprise you, but the best water you can give your orchids is rainwater. During the monsoon, my orchids come alive with a special glow. There’s something in natural rainwater—its purity, its minerals, its softness—that makes orchids truly thrive.

🌦️ Monsoon/Summer

• Water 2–3 times a week

• Use rainwater whenever possible

• Make sure water drains completely

  
  

❄️ Winter (Rest Time)

• Water once in 10–15 days

• Keep the potting medium dry

• No fertilizer during this phase

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: I store rainwater in large buckets during monsoon and use it even after the rains are gone.

🧪 Feeding: Nourishing from Within

Like us, orchids need food.

🌿 Use Banana peel & Epsom Salt (available in local medical store)

🌸 Feed every 3 weeks during growth

🍂 Stop feeding during rest (winter)

💦 Foliar spray helps if leaves look dull

🌱 Propagating Dendrobiums: Sharing the Joy

One of the best rewards of happy orchids? They multiply!

🌾 1. Keikis

Babies of orchids are called as Keikis.

The baby plants grow on old canes. Once roots reach 3–4 inches, snip and repot.

🌱 2. Division

When your pot is overcrowded, gently split the plant after blooming. Each division should have at least 3 canes and a healthy root base.

🪴 Potting & Repotting: Giving Roots Space to Breathe

Dendrobiums hate soggy feet. That’s why I use a custom potting mix of:

• Pine bark

• Charcoal

• Coconut husk (Narlachya Shendya)

• Sphagnum Moss

Repot every 2–3 years or when the pot gets crowded. Always repot after the blooming season, not during it.

🐛 Common Problems & How I Fix Them

❗ Problem	🧐 Why	✅ Solution
No blooms	Too little light or no winter rest	Increase light, reduce winter watering
Yellow leaves	Overwatering or natural leaf drop	Cut back water, prune if needed
Mushy roots	Poor drainage or too much water	Repot in dry, airy mix
Keikis but no blooms	Plant is focusing on growth	Increase light, try bloom booster

🧾 Final Thoughts: From Curiosity to Community

What began as curiosity in Dadar Market became a soulful journey that now lives on my balcony, in my garden, and in my heart. Orchids taught me more than just gardening. They taught me patience, care, and the quiet satisfaction of nurturing something with your own hands.

Every Dendrobium bloom reminds me of my travels, my trials, and the joy of small victories. And I love nothing more than sharing that joy—with fellow orchid lovers like you.