Dendrobium lockhartioides

Also known as: The Lockhartia Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Lockhartia Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the plants similarity to the genus Lockhartia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 86mm to 472mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in September. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 17C to 27C, highest in August (18C to 27C) and lowest in October (17C to 24C).

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.