Dendrobium latifrons

General Information

Dendrobium latifrons is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 47cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 47cm

Substrate(s)

• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 84% to 87%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 10C to 18C, highest in May (11C to 18C) and lowest in July (10C to 17C).

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 year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly