Dendrobium finetianum

Also known as: Finet's Dendrobium or Bouletia finetiana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia

General Information

Finet's Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia. It is named after the French Botanist later in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25-40cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 145mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 67% to 76%, highest in October and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 15C to 29C, highest in June (22C to 29C) and lowest in February (15C to 23C).

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.

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.

Potting

This plant does well mounted.