Dendrobium putnamii

Also known as: Putnam's Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Putnam's Dendrobium is a sympodial cold growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 1.5-2cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 1cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-0.5cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn and Spring

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 102mm to 244mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 10C to 26C, highest in July (12C to 26C) and lowest in February (10C to 22C).

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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.