Dendrobium babiense
Also known as: The Babi Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Babi Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after a rock in Kalamantan Borneo.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 43cm. Each new growth has numerous thick oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25-43cm
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 231mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 77% to 83%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 17C to 24C, highest in August (18C to 24C) and lowest in January (17C to 23C).
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.
Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.