Dendrobium confundens

Native to: Australia

General Information

Dendrobium confundens is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 70cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 4-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-70cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 245mm to 506mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Temperature ranges from 23C to 32C, highest in May (24C to 32C) and lowest in January (23C to 28C).

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.

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

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly