Dendrobium hellerianum

Also known as: Heller's Dendrobium or Eriopexis helleriana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Heller's Dendrobium is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Nicaraguan Botanist in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60-80cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 10-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60-80cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

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 27C, highest in May (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (14C to 24C).

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.