Xiaotong Wang

Jinhua Shouxiangu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinhua, 321200, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Genomics and Applied Biology, 2026, Vol. 17, No. 2   
Received: 20 Feb., 2026    Accepted: 26 Mar., 2026    Published: 10 Apr., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Dendrobium officinale is an important medicinal plant whose growth performance and quality formation are highly dependent on cultivation conditions, among which the substrate plays a critical role in regulating water availability, aeration, and nutrient dynamics in the root zone. This study systematically reviews the effects of different cultivation substrates on the growth and yield of D. officinale based on existing literature and production practices. The results indicate that bark-based substrates provide good aeration and support root development but exhibit moderate water retention. In contrast, organic substrates such as coconut coir show strong water-holding capacity and are associated with enhanced accumulation of bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides. Wood-derived substrates, including sawdust, are cost-effective but may cause nitrogen immobilization, requiring careful nutrient management. Mixed substrates, combining different materials, demonstrate improved overall performance by balancing aeration and moisture conditions, leading to higher survival rates and better growth indices. In addition, substrate structure evolution, microbial community interactions, and regional environmental differences can significantly influence cultivation outcomes. Practical applications suggest that optimized substrate combinations and stratified designs can enhance plant establishment while reducing production costs. Overall, substrate selection should aim to balance aeration and water retention, while being adapted to specific cultivation systems and management strategies. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for efficient cultivation and substrate standardization in D. officinale production.

Dendrobium officinale; Cultivation substrate; Aeration; Water retention; Yield formation