Dendrobium laterale

General Information

Dendrobium laterale is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 5cm. . Pseudobulbs grow to 1cm. The plant can form a mat over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 152mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 47% to 80%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 2C to 26C, highest in April (14C to 26C) and lowest in January (2C to 16C).

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.

During Summer, be sure to keep media moist.

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

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