Dendrobium pachyanthum

Also known as: The Broad Flowered Dendrobium or Distichorchis pachyantha in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Broad Flowered Dendrobium is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3.5-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 94mm to 208mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 15C to 29C, highest in April (17C to 29C) and lowest in February (15C to 27C).

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 during Spring.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.