Dendrobium guamense

Native to: Guam

General Information

Dendrobium guamense is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guam.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60-100cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60-100cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 353mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 77% to 85%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 24C to 30C, highest in May (25C to 30C) and lowest in January (24C to 29C).

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.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots