Dendrobium gemellum

Also known as: The Twin Dendrobium or Pedilonum biflorum Anisopetala biflora in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35-90cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 35-90cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 602mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 65% to 84%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 17C to 25C, highest in March (18C to 25C) and lowest in January (17C 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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.