Dendrobium lucens

General Information

Dendrobium lucens is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 97mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 19C to 30C, highest in April (20C to 30C) and lowest in January (19C to 29C).

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.

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

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.