Dendrobium ephemerum

Also known as: The Ephemeral Dendrobium or Dendrobium papilioniferum var. ephemerum Ceraia ephemera in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Ephemeral Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 120cm. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 120cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in May (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 27C).

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.

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