Dendrobium rotundatum

Also known as: Callista rotundata Katherinea rotundata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Sikkim - India

General Information

Dendrobium rotundatum is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 18-20cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 13-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 818mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 57% to 86%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from -2C to 20C, highest in April (13C to 20C) and lowest in January (-2C to 11C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.