Dendrobium nanum

Also known as: The Small Dendrobium or Dendrobium mabelae Callista nana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Karnataka - India Kerala - India

General Information

The Small Dendrobium is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3-8cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-6.4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-2cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 841mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 91%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 9C to 20C, highest in April (13C to 20C) and lowest in January (9C to 15C).

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

This plant does well mounted.