Dendrobium hendersonii

Also known as: Henderson's Dendrobium or Ceraia fugax Dendrobium rudolphii Ceraia ridleyana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

Henderson's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-60cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 4-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-60cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting, self pollinating blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 307mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 75% to 87%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 33C, highest in March (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (19C to 28C).

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.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist. 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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.