Dendrobium pensile

Also known as: The Hanging Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Singapore

General Information

The Hanging Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Singapore.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60-120cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped leaves that grow to 7-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60-120cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

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.

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

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.