Dendrobium nathanielis

Also known as: Nathaniel's Dendrobium or Dendrobium multiflorum Aporum cuspidatum In Tailand Kletnim in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Assam - India Cambodia Thailand

General Information

Nathaniel's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India, Cambodia and Thailand. It is named after the Nathaniel Wallich Danish Botanist in India early in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-25cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15-25cm

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 264mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 62% to 81%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 14C to 37C, highest in April (24C to 37C) and lowest in January (14C to 30C).

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.

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,