Dendrobium lankaviense

Also known as: The Langkawi Dendrobium or Pedilonum exilicaule Eurycaulis lankaviensis Eurycaulis exilicaulis Dendrobium exilicaule in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Langkawi Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the An island to the west of northern penninsular Malaysia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 325mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 66% to 84%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 19C to 31C, highest in March (21C 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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.