Dendrobium armeniacum

Also known as: The Orange Dendrobium or Sayeria armeniaca in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Orange Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the often orange leaves or the orange striped lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 272mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 67% to 74%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 23C, highest in April (13C to 23C) and lowest in January (11C to 22C).

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

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.