Dendrobium grootingsii

Also known as: Grootings' Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Grootings' Dendrobium is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Dutch Mining Engineer in Borneo early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-48cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 3.6-6.4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-48cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 55mm to 266mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 23C to 32C, highest in April (25C to 32C) and lowest in January (23C to 31C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

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