Dendrobium kerstingianum

General Information

Dendrobium kerstingianum is an intermediate to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 5-40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.7-4.5cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 173mm to 427mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 84% to 87%, highest in May and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 23C to 30C, highest in April (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (23C to 29C).

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.

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 during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

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