Dendrobium navicula

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-30cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-30cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 155mm to 305mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in June. Temperature ranges from 17C to 25C, highest in August (19C to 25C) and lowest in February (17C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.