Dendrobium Fiftieth State

Dendrobium nobile  var. Fiftieth State is a sympodial orchid which forms pseudobulbs. When the life cycle of the mother plant ends it produces little offsets, continuing the life of the plant. The new plant then goes through the same cycle. The stem is erect and during the flowering period blooms form along the whole length of the stem. This seed contains is monocot that is it forms only a single leaf, and the plant has thin white roots which attach themselves to another plant or object making it an epiphytic plant.
Dendrobium Fiftieth State was not described until 1830, yet has become possibly the most well-known of all dendrobiums, due to its popularity as an ornamental. There are a number of varieties in cultivation, including Dendrobium nobile var. virginale, which has white flowers with a yellowish green centre to the lip. Another commonly cultivated variety is Dendrobium nobile var. cooksonianum, in which the petals resemble the lip, each having a rich maroon-purple velvety blotch in the basal half.
This species was first known from China and was later imported for cultivation into Europe from India. Many horticultural varieties of this species were named in the 19th century. The specific epithet 'nobile' means noble, and the common name 'noble dendrobium' is sometimes used, although hardly needed as the Latin name is so well known.

Dendrobium Fiftieth State is an immensely popular ornamental orchid; plant breeders have raised numerous cultivars with showy inflorescences.
It is also valued in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to nourish and stimulate the stomach. A tea made from the stems of this and other Dendrobium species is taken for complaints such as fever, sunstroke and excessive perspiration.
Scientists have isolated several compounds from the stem and leaves, including dendrobine, dendroxine, dendrin and other alkaloids. Phenanthrenes from Dendrobium Fiftieth State have shown anti-tumour activity in laboratory tests on cancer cells. Sesquiterpene glycosides isolated from the stem affect lymphocyte cells, indicating possible immunomodulatory effects. Gigantol isolated from Dendrobium  has shown antimutagenic properties.
When the new growth begins in the spring, these Dendrobiums like to have an increase in water and fertilizer. Culture during spring and summer is similar to phalaenopsis, with reduced light, increased water, and fertilizer every two weeks (1 teaspoon per gallon of water soluble fertilizer). In the fall, cultural needs change drastically. Bright light and reduced fertilizer will help to initiate flower buds. Water normally so that the bulbs do not shrivel. Buds will appear when the night temperatures are cooler and the growths have fully matured. This is usually in mid-winter, with blooms opening in January and February.
Dendrobium Fiftieth State and Ise hybrids are warmth tolerant and do not require as much cooling to set flower buds. They do like to be outside during the summer, so the temperatures will drop in the evening. You can leave them out until fall, but bring inside before the first frost. They bloom well under moderate temperatures.

Do not over pot the plants. They like to be root-bound and do well in relatively small pots. They will grow well in plastic or clay and a variety of medias. We usually grow them in a small-intermediate grade fir bark medium.
Keikis or offshoots may form on the stems, and these may be potted as new plants when they start to form roots. If plants produce all keikis and no blooms, too much fertilizer and temperatures too warm at night are usually to blame.
Many other types of Dendrobiums have similar care to the above, though not all will drop leaves before flowering. Water and feed well during the warmer growing months. During the autumn when new growths are mature cut back to almost no fertilizer and restrict water during the cooler months. Most all types need very bright light year round in order to flower well. Some species may have additional special requirements.


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