Dendrobium nummularia

Also known as: The Coin or Dendrobium prorepens Microphytanthe prorepens in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Coin is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.5-0.8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-0.7cm. The plant can form a mat over time

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 122mm to 429mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 78% to 82%, highest in July and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 26C, highest in January (19C to 26C) and lowest in January (18C to 25C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.