Dendrobium macrophyllum

Also known as: The Large or Dendrobium macrophyllum h.v. malaccense Dendrobium macrophyllum h.v. gordonii Dendrobium macrophyllum h.v. velutinum Dendrobium macrophyllum var. subvelutinum Dendrobium macrophyllum var. macrophyllum Dendrobium macrophyllum h.v. giganteum Dendrobium brachythecum Latourorchis macrophylla Dendrobium macrophyllum var. ternatense Sayeria macrophylla Dendrobium macrophyllum h.v. musciferum Callista macrophylla In New Guinea- The Pastor's Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Fiji New Caledonia Palau

General Information

The Large is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Fiji, New Caledonia and Palau.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 38-64cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 23-33cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15-40cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as strong

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 19C to 27C, highest in May (20C to 27C) and lowest in January (19C to 23C).

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.

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.