Dendrobium hippocrepiferum

Also known as: The Horse in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Horse is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.7-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 50cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

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 7C to 19C, highest in May (9C to 19C) and lowest in December (7C to 17C).

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.

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.