Difference Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids

Thekey differencebetween dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids is thatDendrobiumorchids produce a flower that flourishes for up to six weeks whilePhalaenopsisorchids produce a flower that flourishes for up to three months.

Family Orchidaceae or orchid family is one of the largest flowering plant families. In fact, it is the second-largest family offlowering plants, second only to Asteraceae. It is a monocotyledon family. Orchids give rise to blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. This family comprises of about 880 genera with more than 26000 plant species.DendrobiumandPhalaenopsisare two genera of orchids. Both genera include epiphytic orchids.Dendrobiumflowers flourish for up to 6 weeks before they fade. In contrast,Phalaenopsisflowers flourish for up to 3 months at a time. Moreover,Dendrobiumorchids can rebloom, but it happens rarely whilePhalaenopsisorchids rebloom three times per year.

CONTENTS

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.What are Dendrobium Orchids
3.What are Phalaenopsis Orchids
4.Similarities Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids
5.Side by Side Comparison – Dendrobium vs Phalaenopsis Orchids in Tabular Form
6.Summary

What are Dendrobium Orchids?

Dendrobium is agenusof orchids that consists of about 1,500 individual species. Dendrobium orchids are easy to grow. They produce a flower that lasts for up to 6 weeks. Though they can rebloom, they rarely produce flower again within a year. Dendrobium flowerpots are frequently used to decorate desks, tabletops, or window sills.

Most varieties of Dendrobium are tall and have an upright shape. Dendrobium orchids prefer direct sunlight. Moreover, they need humidity between 50 to 75%.

What are Phalaenopsis Orchids?

Phalaenopsisis a genus of the orchid family that blooms year-round. They are commonly known as moth orchids due to their distinct flower shape and colour. This genus comprises about seventy species of plants.Phalaenopsisblooms provide a more intricate and colourful midpoint for potential pollinators, unlikeDendrobium.

Phalaenopsisneed indirect light in outdoors. Direct sunlight possibly makes sunscalds on leaves. Therefore, it is necessary to keepPhalaenopsisunder the shade.Phalaenopsisflowers flourish for up to three months at a time. Generally, they produce flowers three times per year.

What are the Similarities Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids?

• Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis are two genera of orchids.
• They are epiphytic orchids which are herbaceous (nonwoody).
• They are mostly cultivated as ornamental plants.
• Both have five petal configurations surrounding a centre point.
• They produce long flower stems.
• These orchids can be either potted or grown on tree limbs as epiphytic plants.
• They prefer humid conditions between 50 and 75%.
• Flowers of both species last for shorter periods when there are improper potting medium and insufficient watering.

What is the Difference Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids?

Dendrobiumis a genus of the orchid family which produces flowers flourishing up to 6 weeks. In contrast,Phalaenopsisis another genus of orchids which produces flowers flourishing up to three months. So, this is the key difference betweenDendrobiumandPhalaenopsis.Dendrobiumorchids are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, many Pacific islands, and Australia whilePhalaenopsis兰花原产于东南亚和部分of Australia. There are about 1,500Dendrobiumspecies while there are about 70Phalaenopsisspecies.

The below infographic tabulates more comparisons to discern the difference betweenDendrobiumandPhalaenopsis.

Summary – Dendrobium vs Phalaenopsis Orchids

Orchids are a major group of angiosperms.DendrobiumandPhalaenopsisare two genera of orchids.Dendrobiumproduces a long stem flower that flourishes for up to 6 weeks whilePhalaenopsisproduces a long stem flower that flourishes for up to three months. Moreover,Dendrobiumblooms only once per year, whilePhalaenospishas three separate flowering periods per year. Furthermore,Phalaenopsisflower has a more intricate and colourful midpoint for potential pollinators, unlikeDendrobium.This summarizes the difference betweenDendrobiumandPhalaenopsis.

Reference:

1. Calyx, Lily. “Dendrobium Orchids Care | Pollen Nation”. Pollen Nation, 2020,Available here.
2. “Phalaenopsis”. En.Wikipedia.Org, 2020,Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dendrobium-densiflorum-x-fa” –Larsen Twins OrchidsviaCommons Wikimedia

2. “4783574” (CC0) viaPixabay