Dendrobium sladei
Also known as: Slade's Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Fiji Vanuatu
General Information
Slade's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Fiji and Vanuatu. It is named after the English Orchidist in Vanuatu in the 1900's.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 200cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, lance shaped leaves that grow to 5-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 200cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths
Flowers
Numerous short lasting, fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 119mm to 277mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 88%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 22C to 31C, highest in August (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (22C to 27C).
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.
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.
