Dendrobium callitrophilum

Also known as: In Australia The Thin Feather Orchid or Tropilis callitrophila Dendrobium aemulum var. callitrophilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia

General Information

In Australia The Thin Feather Orchid is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 5-30cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-30cm

Substrate(s)

• Bark

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 460mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 65% to 74%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 27C, highest in June (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (11C to 20C).

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.