Dendrobium convexipes

Also known as: The Bent Outwards Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Bent Outwards Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 48cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 5.6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 48cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 48mm to 175mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 17C to 28C, highest in October (20C to 28C) 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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration Be sure to provide strong air circulation after watering to prevent fungal and bacterial infections from water sitting on leaves.

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.