Dendrobium chameleon

Also known as: The Chameleon Dendrobium or Pedilonum longicalcaratum Dendrobium randaiense Dendrobium longicalcaratum Dendrobium chameleon f. alba Dendrobium chameleon var. ovatilabium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Chameleon Dendrobium is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the flowers quick change from original color to yellow as they age.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40-183cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 3-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 40-64cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 409mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 63% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 17C to 29C, highest in April (20C to 29C) and lowest in January (17C to 25C).

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.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist. 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.

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.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,