Dendrobium metrium

Also known as: Dendrobium alleizettei Dendrobium d'alleizettii Grastidium nhatrangense Anisopetala filicaulis Dendrobium batakense Dendrobium filicaule Dendrobium sociale Dendrobium dalleizettii Dendrobium nhatrangense Eurycaulis modestus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Dendrobium metrium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-5.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 18cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 79mm to 429mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 76% to 87%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 19C to 29C, highest in March (20C to 29C) and lowest in January (19C 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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.