Dendrobium kempterianum

Also known as: Kempter's Dendrobium or Amblyanthe kempteriana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Kempter's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 80cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 8-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 80cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 287mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 85% to 89%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 22C to 28C, highest in October (23C to 28C) and lowest in October (22C to 26C).

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

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.