Dendrobium closterium

Also known as: Dendrobium closterium var. jocosum Dendrobium jocosum Dendrobium closterium var. closterium Eleutheroglossum jocosum Dendrobium myrticola Dendrobium eleutheroglossum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia

General Information

Dendrobium closterium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 6-20cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, elliptic leaves that grow to 3.5-8.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-3.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 145mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 67% to 76%, highest in October and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in June (22C to 29C) and lowest in February (16C to 24C).

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.

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.