🇯🇵 Habitat and Ecology
Dendrobium moniliforme (often called Sekikoku in Japanese or Shi Hu in Chinese) is a classic, compact epiphytic or lithophytic orchid. It has an extremely wide distribution across East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and the Himalayas. It grows on mossy tree trunks, steep cliffs, or shaded rocks in open forests, typically at moderate to high elevations (up to 3,000 metres in China). This species is highly valued for its robust nature and ability to tolerate a wide temperature range.
🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
This orchid is a small, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial known for its elegant, miniature structure.
 * Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It forms dense clusters of slender, cylindrical, cane-like pseudobulbs (up to 30 cm long) that are often pendent or arching. The stems have conspicuous nodes and develop a chain-like, beaded appearance as they age (moniliforme means 'necklace-like'). The leaves are small, leathery, and usually shed annually in colder regions.
 * Flowers: Flowers are produced singly or in pairs from the nodes along the top portion of the leafless or semi-leafless canes in late winter and spring. The blooms are typically medium-sized (2-4 cm wide), waxy, and spreading.
 * Aesthetics: The flowers are usually white or very pale pink and possess a distinctive three-lobed lip that is marked with purple or pale yellow/green veins in the throat. The blooms are strongly fragrant, often described as a sweet, clean scent.
 * Ethnobotany: This species is a major component of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM), where the dried stems (known as Shi Hu) are used as a tonic to nourish the yin, benefit the stomach, and clear heat. Its long history of use has led to extensive cultivation.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Dendrobium moniliforme is highly valued for its adaptability and can be grown as a cool to warm-intermediate orchid in the UK.
 * Light: Requires bright, filtered light. High light is essential for flowering and contributes to the red flush on the canes.
 * Substrate: It grows well mounted on cork bark or potted in a fine, fast-draining medium (bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss).
 * Watering: Water heavily and frequently during the warm growing season (spring/summer). Enforce a cool, semi-dry rest in winter (late autumn to early spring) to initiate flower buds.
 * Temperature: Tolerates a wide range, but requires cool nights to bloom.
   * Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-27 C (70-81 F).
   * Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Winter Rest): A cool drop is necessary, ideally 5-15 C (41-59 F).
 * Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-70%) and strong air circulation are necessary.
✨ Unique Features
This orchid is a historical and cultural favourite, known for its charming, beaded, chain-like stems and its profuse display of small, waxy, highly fragrant white flowers. Its extensive use in TCM and its resilience make it a robust and fascinating specimen for both the casual and dedicated collector.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: As seen in the picture
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium moniliforme B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB