Dendrobium cumulatum

Also known as: The Crowded or Pedilonum eoum Eurycaulis cumulatus Dendrobium eoum Callista cumulata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan Cambodia India Thailand

General Information

The Crowded is a medium to large sized sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, Cambodia, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45-60cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 8-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 38-50cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as vanillalike

Blooming Season

• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 312mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 64% to 86%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 7C to 29C, highest in July (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (7C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,