Dendrobium refractum
Also known as: The Broken up Dendrobium or Distichorchis refracta in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Broken up Dendrobium is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 4cm long
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 94mm to 262mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 79% to 85%, highest in April and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 22C to 32C, highest in February (23C to 32C) and lowest in January (22C to 31C).
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.
Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
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.