Dendrobium pachystele

Also known as: The Broad Apex Dendrobium or Dendrobium pachystele h.v. homoeglossum Dendrobium pachystele var. homoeoglossum Dendrobium brachyanthum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Palau

General Information

The Broad Apex Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Palau.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 28-55cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 18-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-25cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 424mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 20C to 29C, highest in March (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).

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.

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

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.