Dendrobium bifarium

Also known as: The Two Sided Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Singapore Thailand

General Information

The Two Sided Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Singapore and Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-60cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 94mm to 208mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 26C, highest in April (13C to 26C) and lowest in February (12C 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.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.