Dendrobium echinocarpum

Also known as: Cadetia echinocarpa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Dendrobium echinocarpum is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 7-13cm. Each new growth has numerous erect tongue shaped leaves that grow to 4-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-7cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 287mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 85% to 89%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 24C to 31C, highest in October (26C to 31C) and lowest in October (24C to 28C).

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.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.