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Description
Dendrolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the Fabaceae family. It consists of around 40 species of tropical trees and shrubs, many of which are native to Southeast Asia. The name Dendrolobium is derived from the Greek words “dendron” meaning tree and “lobos” meaning pod.The plants in this genus are known for their showy and fragrant flowers, which are usually yellow, orange, or red. The flowers are arranged in clusters and can be up to 5 cm in diameter. The pods of Dendrolobium are long and slender, and contain small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dendrolobium |
Appearance
Dendrolobium plants can grow up to 10 meters tall, depending on the species. The leaves are typically pinnate, with 5-13 leaflets. The flowers are large and showy, with five petals and numerous stamens. They bloom in clusters, usually in the spring or summer. The pods of Dendrolobium are long and slender, and can be up to 30 cm in length.
Care Guide
Dendrolobium plants are relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Dendrolobium:- Water: Dendrolobium plants prefer to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage.- Fertilization: Dendrolobium plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.- Soil: Dendrolobium plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil and perlite is ideal.- Sunlight: Dendrolobium plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Dendrolobium plants are tropical and do not tolerate cold temperatures. They are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dendrolobium plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Dendrolobium plants can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the soil has good drainage and by avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Dendrolobium plants are native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They typically grow in lowland forests, but can also be found in montane forests and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dendrolobium plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Dendrolobium plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dendrolobium plant?
A: You should fertilize your Dendrolobium plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Dendrolobium plants?
A: Dendrolobium plants prefer temperatures between 18-27°C.
Q: Can Dendrolobium plants be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Dendrolobium plants can be propagated from stem cuttings.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dendrolobium:- Acacia- Albizia- Bauhinia- Calliandra- Cassia- Delonix- Erythrina- Leucaena- Mimosa
References
– “Dendrolobium” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrolobium- “Dendrolobium” Plantz Africa, http://pza.sanbi.org/dendrolobium- “Dendrolobium” Plant Finder, https://www.plantfinder.com/genus/dendrolobium/
