Dendrobium rhabdoglossum

Also known as: The Staff in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Staff is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped leaves that grow to 4-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 310mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Temperature ranges from 14C to 24C, highest in May (15C to 24C) and lowest in January (14C to 23C).

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 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.