Dendrobium schneiderae

Also known as: Mrs. Schneider's Dendrobium or Australorchis schneiderae h.v. major Dendrobium schneiderae var. schneiderae Australorchis eungellensis Dendrobium schneiderae var. major The Small Moon Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Mrs. Schneider's Dendrobium is a miniature sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Australian Orchid Collector in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3.5-10cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2.5-7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-2.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 48mm to 163mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 57% to 66%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 7C to 27C, highest in June (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (7C to 17C).

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.

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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,