Dendrobium pruinosum

Also known as: The Frosted Dendrobium or Grastidium densifolium Grastidium luteocilium Dendrobium microglossum Dendrobium crispilobum Dendrobium luteocilium Dendrobium densifolium Grastidium microglossum The Honey Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Frosted Dendrobium is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 100-175cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-175cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in May (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 27C).

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.

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.