Dendrobium sagittatum

Also known as: The Sack Carrying Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Sack Carrying Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 28cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.4-28cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 254mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 62% to 79%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 15C to 27C, highest in March (17C to 27C) and lowest in January (15C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist.

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. Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.