Dendrobium flexile

Also known as: The Flexible Dendrobium or Aporum adpressifolium Dendrobium adpressifolium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Singapore Thailand

General Information

The Flexible Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Singapore and Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8-20cm. Each new growth has numerous thick terete shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-2.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-20cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 117mm to 617mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in December and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 22C to 32C, highest in May (23C to 32C) and lowest in June (22C to 28C).

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

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.