Dendrobium schweinfurthianum

Also known as: Dendrobium leopardinum Dendrobium leopardinum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 10-13cm long

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 61mm to 178mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 74% to 82%, highest in January and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in May (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 27C).

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.

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.