Dendrobium kenepaiense

Also known as: The Kenepai Dendrobium or Distichorchis kenepaiensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Kenepai Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the An Area of Kalimantan.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 19C to 31C, highest in August (20C to 31C) 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.

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.