Dendrobium polysema

Also known as: The Many or Dendrobium stenopterum Dendrobium macrophyllum var. stenopterum Dendrobium pallidum Dendrobium polysema var. pallidum Dendrobium pulchrum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Many is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-65cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 10-24cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 89mm to 183mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 71% to 76%, highest in January and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in May (14C to 26C) and lowest in February (13C to 23C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.