Dendrobium sarawakense

Also known as: The Sarawak Dendrobium or Eurycaulis multiflorus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45-60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 45-60cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 22C to 33C, highest in August (23C to 33C) and lowest in January (22C to 31C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration 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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.