Dendrobium salhutuense

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 2cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.8cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 19C to 27C, highest in May (21C to 27C) and lowest in January (19C to 23C).

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.

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.