Dendrobium rupicolum

General Information

Dendrobium rupicolum is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-35cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.5-1.8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-35cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 79mm to 330mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 82%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 15C to 27C, highest in March (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (15C to 24C).

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.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.