Dendrobium planum
Also known as: The Flat Dendrobium or Grastidium leytense Dendrobium leytense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Flat Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25cm
Flowers
Numerous short lasting blossoms appear
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 602mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 65% to 84%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 27C, highest in March (19C to 27C) and lowest in January (18C to 24C).
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.
Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.