Dendrobium puniceum

Also known as: The Purple Colored Dendrobium or Pedilonum adolphii Pedilonum cerasinum Pedilonum lateriflorum Pedilonum discrepans Dendrobium scarlatinum Dendrobium adolphii Dendrobium discrepans Dendrobium cerasinum Dendrobium lateriflorum Pedilonum scarlatinum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Purple Colored Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 4-6cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 2-4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.8-1.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 302mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 14C to 27C, highest in May (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (14C to 24C).

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

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.