Dendrobium cunninghamii
Also known as: Cunningham's Dendrobium or Dendrobium lessonii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: New Zealand
General Information
Cunningham's Dendrobium is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Zealand. It is named after the English Botanist in the 19th century.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 75-300cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 75-150cm
Substrate(s)
- Medium
- Fine
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 112mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 80% to 89%, highest in December and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 1C to 19C, highest in July (9C to 19C) and lowest in January (1C to 9C).
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.
Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.
