Object To determine the diumal changes of photosynthesis, its relationships with light intensities and temperatures, and the contents of chloroophyll in leaves of Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex. Lindl., D. wilsonii Rolfe and D. hercoglossum Reichb. f. Methods The net photosynthetic rate (NPR) was measured at intervals of 1.5 h during daytimes 7:30—16:30, under the photosynthetic affective rates 0—140 mmol/(m 2?s), and under the temperatures 29.6—38.2 ℃; contents of chlorophyll a and b in leaves were measured. Results NPR, light saturation point and compensation point were low in each of the three Dendrobium L. species. The NPR peaked during 8:00 and 10:00 am, and thereafter decreased rapidly as the temperature and light intensity increased. Content of chlorophyll b was high in the leaves. Conclusion These results indicated that the Dendrobium L. species, which are sciophyte plants, have great adaptations to their growing habitats.