Dendrobium quinquelobum

Also known as: Cadetia major Dendrobium majus Cadetia quinqueloba in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Dendrobium quinquelobum is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8-14cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 4-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.5-8cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 272mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 67% to 74%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 24C, highest in April (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (12C to 23C).

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.