Dendrobium nobile 'Lila' - Noble Orchid

This vociferously flowering Noble Orchid is a bouquet in its own right. Alongside its mid-green foliage, provided by leaves which sprout on alternate sides running up each thick, segmented stem, the fragrant blooms are stunning. These sweet-smelling flowers are a pale yellow and cream white in the centre, surrounded by bright violet petals which really steal the attention and add style to your indoor plant displays. In its natural habitat, the Dendrobium is epiphytic, growing on trees in subtropical parts of southern and eastern Asia; make sure its roots have room to breathe and you can't go far wrong.

Scientific Name
Dendrobium nobile 'Lila' (renowned tree-life plant, cultivar: bouquet purple rain)

Synonyms: Callista nobilis, Dendrobium chlorostylum, Dendrobium coerulescens, Dendrobium formosanum, Dendrobium lindleyanum, Dendrobium wallichianum

First classified in 1830, D. nobile has retained the same scientific name ever since, though there have been other suggested names in the intervening centuries.

Common Name
Noble Orchid, Noble Rock Orchid, Bamboo Orchid, Noble Dendrobium, Nobile Orchid, Pink Noble Orchid, Purple Noble Orchid, Bouquet Purple Rain Noble Orchid

Origin
Native to subtropical areas in south and southeastern Asia, found in: Bangladesh, Southern China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam.

Light
Keep in a bright spot out of direct sun, especially in spring and summer when the sunlight can be too harsh for your Noble Orchid. A splash of morning sun in autumn and winter can be helpful while your orchid's growth slows.

Water
Keep the soil relatively moist while your Orchid is flowering; only let the top third of the soil dry before watering again. This should help keep blooms happy and fresh for longer. Using room-temperature water will also prevent the plant from being shocked. Remember to reduce watering in winter when the plant will dry out more slowly.

Humidity
Your Noble Orchid will appreciate a spot with above-average humidity; a kitchen or bathroom can be a good idea, or using a pebble tray to increase local humidity around the plant. Signs of too-low humidity include brown, crispy leaf tips.

Soil
A soil designed for epiphytic Orchids or Anthuriums works best here; its should have plenty of bark to help air circulation around the roots. Being slightly pot-bound will encourage it to flower, so don't go too soon - repot every 2-3 years in spring, and make sure to do so while your Orchid is not actively flowering.

Food
Feed every couple of weeks with a foliar Orchid feed. This is especially important in spring when your Orchid is ramping up the growth; you can probably feed less over winter. 

Temperature
Daytime temperatures between 18-27°C will be ideal, especially in summer, to remind this subtropical plant of home. It will need a dip in temperature of about 5°C overnight, but make sure it doesn't ever get below 10°C overnight or in winter as long periods at this lower temperature will cause damage.

Pet-safe
Yes, this Orchid is non-toxic so is safe for homes with pets and small children. Too much nobbling won't be great, so do still keep an eye on your plant and any curious hands or paws.

Sprouts Top Tips
The Noble Orchid does need some seasonal and daily changes to grow best. Once it's slowed down growth in autumn and winter, it will need slightly lower temperatures, a dash of weak morning sunlight, less water and less food to promote a proper dormancy period. Throughout the year, an overnight dip in temperatures of 5°C is perfect for encouraging blooms and healthy growth, too. If it's too consistent, your Orchid won't feel completely at home.