Dendrobium nutans

Native to: Kerala - India Sri Lanka

General Information

Dendrobium nutans is a small sympodial warm to hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India and Sri Lanka.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-30cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid leaves that grow to 3-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-25cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids live on the forest floor, often in dead leaves or humus, yet still have the organs that would allow them to store water given unpredictable or intermittent weather conditions. They require some moisture to always be present in the soil, but not much. Water when the soil approaches dryness and don't let it dry out completely. Some growers place pots in saucers to retain water, but this may create an environment that is too wet, leading to rot.

In most areas these can be grown in the garden under trees or in sheltered locations, as long as they are reasonably protected from huge weather swings, excessive heat, and frost.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 61mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 25C, highest in April (18C to 25C) and lowest in January (12C to 21C).

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 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.

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 can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.