Dendrobium darjeelingensis

Native to: India

General Information

Dendrobium darjeelingensis is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 7.6cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 7.6cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 818mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 57% to 86%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 0C to 22C, highest in April (15C to 22C) and lowest in January (0C to 13C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

These plants thrive on fertiliser, especially during periods of growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied at the recommended strength, augmented with manure pellets or other quickly degradable fertiliser, applied away from the base of the plant, during periods of strong growth that occurs in the middle of the growth season.

Do not fertilise during the dormant period. Avoid using slow release fertiliser that breaks down for longer than 3 months, if using apply only after dormancy when new shoots have developed noticably, applied 4-5 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, and by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears. 

Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.