Dendrobium fractiflexum

Also known as: The Fractiflex Dendrobium or Cannaeorchis fractiflexa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia

General Information

The Fractiflex Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia. The name refers to the inflorescence.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 50cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

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 16C to 30C, highest in June (23C to 30C) and lowest in February (16C to 24C).

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly