Dendrobium porphyrochilum

Also known as: The Purple Lipped Dendrobium or Dendrobium caespitosum Callista porphyrochila in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan China Sikkim - India Thailand

General Information

The Purple Lipped Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, China, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3-10cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2-7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-2.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 292mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 58% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 28C, highest in April (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (6C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid 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.