Dendrobium rugosum

Also known as: The Wrinkly Dendrobium or Dendrobium rugosum var. glaucophyllum Dendrobium purpurascens Callista rugosa Dendrobium glaucophyllum Grastidium glaucophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 200cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped leaves that grow to 712cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 200cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 602mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 65% to 84%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 27C, highest in March (20C to 27C) and lowest in January (19C to 25C).

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.

Be sure to provide strong air circulation after watering to prevent fungal and bacterial infections from water sitting on leaves.

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.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.