Dendrobium habbemense
Also known as: The Habbema Dendrobium or Dendrobium spathulatilabratum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Habbema Dendrobium is a sympodial cold to cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 25-60cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 4-9cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-50cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Care Notes
These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.
These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 119mm to 284mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 5C to 17C, highest in May (7C to 17C) and lowest in December (5C to 15C).
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
These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow.
Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.
Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,
This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.