Dendrobium merrillii

Also known as: Merrill's Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Calabarzon - Philippines Central Luzon - Philippines Mimaropa - Philippines

General Information

Merrill's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines. It is named after the American Botanist in the Philippines late in the 19th century early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-43cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-25cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 432mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 32C, highest in April (22C to 32C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

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.

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.