Dendrobium farmeri

Also known as: Farmer's Dendrobium or Dendrobium farmeri h.f. aureo-flava Dendrobium farmeri h.f. aureum Dendrobium farmeri h.v. spp Dendrobium farmeri h.f. album Dendrobium farmeri h.f. aureo-flavum Dendrobium farmeri h.v. palpebrae Dendrobium farmeri var. albiflorum Dendrobium farmeri var. aureoflavum Dendrobium farmeri h.v. albidiflorum Dendrobium farmeri var. album Dendrobium farmeri h.v. albaflorum Dendrobium densiflorum var. farmeri in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan India Nepal Thailand

General Information

Farmer's Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand. It is named after the English Supervisor In Calcuta Botanical Garden in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-45cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery oblong shaped leaves that grow to 8-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-45cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 312mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 64% to 86%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 7C to 29C, highest in July (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (7C to 21C).

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.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,