Dendrobium lobbii
Also known as: Lobb's Dendrobium or Dendrobium teijsmannii Callista teijsmannii Dendrobium conostalix Callista conostalyx Conostalix paludicola Conostalix lacustris Conostalix calcaratum Dendrobium lacustre Dendrobium paludicola Callista borneoensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Queensland - Australia Thailand
General Information
Lobb's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia and Thailand. It is named after the Thomas Lobb, English Orchid Collector in SE Asia in the 19th century.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 25-94cm. Each new growth has numerous erect rigid leaves that grow to 2-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-94cm
Substrate(s)
- 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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 94mm to 262mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 79% to 85%, highest in April and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 22C to 32C, highest in February (23C to 32C) and lowest in January (22C to 31C).
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 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,