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.

Altitude
0 - 600 m
0
2500
Size
45 - 90 cm
Miniature
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Giant
Flower Size
0.8 - 0.8 cm
Small
Medium
Large
Humidity
58 - 83 %
0
100
Temperature
23 - 30 °C
Cold
Cool
Intermediate
Warm
Hot
Water
40 - 100 %
Keep Dry
Low
Medium
High
Keep Moist
Light
22000 - 43000 lux
Full Shade
Low
Medium
High
Full Sun

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.

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