Dendrobium melanotrichum

Also known as: The Black Haired Dendrobium or Distichorchis melanotricha Distichorchis striatiflora Dendrobium striatiflorum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Black Haired Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-40cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 122mm to 429mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 78% to 82%, highest in July and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 26C, highest in January (19C to 26C) and lowest in January (18C to 25C).

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

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