Dendrobiums are semi-epiphytic plants that grow well on mounts such as ‘Stag ferns’ or cling to the trunks and branches of other plants. This genus of over 1200 species have adapted to a wide range of habitats; from the Himalayan mountains to the dry desert of the Australian Desert. Many varieties are "mericlone" bred and are true in shape and colour to the mother plant. Most are hardy cold tolerant types that grow naturally on exposed sites.