Dendrobium cuspidatum

Also known as: The Three Pointed Dendrobium or Dendrobium sarcanthum Callista sarcantha Callista cuspidata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

The Three Pointed Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 5-15cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-10cm

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 low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 406mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 58% to 87%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 14C to 37C, highest in April (24C to 37C) and lowest in January (14C to 29C).

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

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.