Dendrobium lichenastrum

Also known as: The Star Lichen or Dendrobium lichenastrum h.v. lichenastrum Dendrobium lichenastrum h.v. prenticei h.f. aurantiaco-purpureum Dendrobium lichenastrum h.v. prenticei h.f. prenticei Dockrillia lichenastrum h.v. prenticei Phyllorkis prenticei Dendrobium aurantiaco-purpureum Dendrobium aurantiacopurpureum Davejonesia aurantiacopurpurea Dendrobium variabile Dendrobium lichenastrum f. prenticei Dendrobium lichenastrum f. aurantiacopurpureum Davejonesia prenticei Davejonesia lichenastra Dendrobium lichenastrum var. prenticei Bulbophyllum prenticei Dendrobium prenticei The Common Button Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Star Lichen is a miniature sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.2-1.5cm long

Substrate(s)

• 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 13mm to 284mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 61% to 72%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in June (21C to 27C) and lowest in January (12C to 21C).

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

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. 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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

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