Dendrobium ciliatilabellum

Also known as: The Hairy Lip Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

The Hairy Lip Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-25cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-25cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 284mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 85%, highest in September and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 11C to 31C, highest in April (18C to 31C) and lowest in January (11C to 24C).

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.