Dendrobium aemulum

Also known as: Ironbark Feather Orchid or Tropilis odontochila Dendrobium aemulum h.v. aemulum Tropilis aemula Callista aemula Dendrobium odontochilum The Similar-Looking Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Queensland - Australia

General Information

Ironbark Feather Orchid is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8-30cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, lance shaped leaves that grow to 5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-30cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as sweet

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 48mm to 163mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 57% to 66%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 6C to 26C, highest in June (17C to 26C) and lowest in January (6C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,