Dendrobium luteocilium

Also known as: Grastidium densifolium Grastidium pruinosum Dendrobium microglossum Dendrobium crispilobum Dendrobium pruinosum Dendrobium densifolium Grastidium microglossum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia

General Information

Dendrobium luteocilium is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60-180cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 4-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60-180cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant, self pollinating blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 320mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 84% to 94%, highest in January and lowest in September. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in May (25C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 27C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

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