Dendrobium millarae
Also known as: Millar's Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
Millar's Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the French Female Botanist and Curator of Lae Botanical Garden in the 1900's.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 20-30cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-2.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-30cm
Flowers
Numerous short lasting blossoms appear
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 302mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 14C to 27C, highest in May (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (14C to 24C).
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 dehydrationFertiliser
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.