Dendrobium amboinense

Also known as: The Amboina Island Dendrobium or Callista amboinensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Amboina Island Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in May (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly