Dendrobium lomatochilum

Also known as: Ceraia lomatochila in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-35cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-35cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 363mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 83%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 14C to 27C, highest in June (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (14C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.