Dendrobium aloifolium
Also known as: The Aloe or Oxystophyllum macrostoma Dendrobium cochinchinense Dendrobium serra Callista micrantha Aporum lobbii Callista aloifolia Aporum cochinchinense Aporum micranthum Aporum serra in Thailand - Ueang chang in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Cambodia Indonesia Thailand
General Information
The Aloe is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 45-90cm. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 45-90cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths
Flowers
Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Climate
The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.
For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants.
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 292mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 58% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 36C, highest in April (24C to 36C) and lowest in January (13C to 29C).Watering
These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.
Fertiliser
Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.Potting
This plant does well mounted.