Dendrobium scirpoides

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-20cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 4-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-15cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 455mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 75% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 21C to 28C, highest in May (22C to 28C) and lowest in January (21C 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.