Difference Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids

The key difference between dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids is that Dendrobium orchids produce a flower that flourishes for up to six weeks while Phalaenopsis orchids 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 of flowering 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. Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis are two genera of orchids. Both genera include epiphytic orchids. Dendrobium flowers flourish for up to 6 weeks before they fade. In contrast, Phalaenopsis flowers flourish for up to 3 months at a time. Moreover, Dendrobium orchids can rebloom, but it happens rarely while Phalaenopsis orchids rebloom three times per year.

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 a genus of 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.

Key Difference - Dendrobium vs Phalaenopsis Orchids

Figure 01: Dendrobium

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?

Phalaenopsis is 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. Phalaenopsis blooms provide a more intricate and colourful midpoint for potential pollinators, unlike Dendrobium.

Difference Between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids

Figure 02: Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis need indirect light in outdoors. Direct sunlight possibly makes sunscalds on leaves. Therefore, it is necessary to keep Phalaenopsis under the shade. Phalaenopsis flowers 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?

Dendrobium is a genus of the orchid family which produces flowers flourishing up to 6 weeks. In contrast, Phalaenopsis is another genus of orchids which produces flowers flourishing up to three months. So, this is the key difference between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis. Dendrobium orchids are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, many Pacific islands, and Australia while Phalaenopsis orchids are native to southeastern Asia and part of Australia. There are about 1,500 Dendrobium species while there are about 70 Phalaenopsis species.

The below infographic tabulates more comparisons to discern the difference between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis.

Summary – Dendrobium vs Phalaenopsis Orchids

Orchids are a major group of angiosperms. Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis are two genera of orchids. Dendrobium produces a long stem flower that flourishes for up to 6 weeks while Phalaenopsis produces a long stem flower that flourishes for up to three months. Moreover, Dendrobium blooms only once per year, while Phalaenospis has three separate flowering periods per year. Furthermore, Phalaenopsis flower has a more intricate and colourful midpoint for potential pollinators, unlike Dendrobium. This summarizes the difference between Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis.

Reference:

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