Dendrobium coccineum

General Information

Dendrobium coccineum is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 3-4.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 17C to 25C, highest in May (18C to 25C) and lowest in January (17C to 21C).

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.