Dendrobium macropus

Also known as: The Large Column Foot Dendrobium or Tropilis drake-castilloi Dendrobium oscari Dendrobium drake-castilloi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia Fiji New Caledonia Norfolk Island Vanuatu

General Information

The Large Column Foot Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and Vanuatu.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 12-25cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 12-25cm

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 66mm to 155mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 80% to 85%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in July (20C to 26C) and lowest in February (13C to 18C).

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.

Potting

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