Dendrobium fulminicaule

Also known as: The Black Stem Dendrobium or Anisopetala fulminicaulis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 53cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 8.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 53cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 152mm to 518mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 81% to 85%, highest in May and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 18C to 26C, highest in November (18C to 26C) and lowest in January (18C 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.

Use balanced fertiliser 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.