Dendrobium govidjoae

Also known as: The Govidjoa Creek Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Govidjoa Creek Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after a creek within the Dischore range New Guinea.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped leaves that grow to 2-4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 100cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 302mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 14C to 26C, highest in May (15C to 26C) and lowest in January (14C to 23C).

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. 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.