Dendrobium purpureostelidium

Also known as: Flickingeria purpureostelidia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines

General Information

Dendrobium purpureostelidium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid leaves that grow to 1cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 84mm to 290mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in April. Temperature ranges from 23C to 32C, highest in May (25C to 32C) and lowest in January (23C to 28C).

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.