Dendrobium pectinatum

Also known as: The Combed Dendrobium or Kinetochilus pectinatus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia

General Information

The Combed Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia. The name refers to the leaf arrangement.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 7-17cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-50cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 145mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 67% to 76%, highest in October and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in June (18C to 25C) and lowest in February (11C to 19C).

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.

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

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.