Dendrobium aqueum

Also known as: Callista aquea Dendrobium album in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: India

General Information

Dendrobium aqueum is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25-50cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25-50cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 841mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 91%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 24C, highest in April (17C to 24C) and lowest in January (13C to 19C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.