Dendrobium piestocaulon

Also known as: Dendrobium piestocaulon var. kauloense Dendrobium piestocaulon var. piestocaulon Dendrobium nidificum Monanthos piestocaulos in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Ireland

General Information

Dendrobium piestocaulon is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ireland.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, tongue shaped leaves that grow to 6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 198mm to 318mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 75% to 80%, highest in July and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 19C to 29C, highest in April (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (19C 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.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.