Dendrobium atjehense

Also known as: The Aceh Dendrobium or Eurycaulis atjehensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Aceh Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the Aceh peninsula of Indonesia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 35-48cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 49mm to 233mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 22C to 32C, highest in June (24C to 32C) and lowest in January (22C to 29C).

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

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.