Dendrobium rhodobotrys

General Information

Dendrobium rhodobotrys is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped leaves that grow to 8cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 246mm to 505mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Temperature ranges from 14C to 24C, highest in May (16C to 24C) and lowest in January (14C to 20C).

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.