Dendrobium spathilabium

Also known as: The Spatula Shaped Lip Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Spatula Shaped Lip Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-35cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 48mm to 234mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 15C to 24C, highest in June (17C to 24C) and lowest in January (15C to 22C).

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.