Dendrobium speculigerum

Also known as: The Mirrored Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Mirrored Dendrobium is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25-70cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-70cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 86mm to 472mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in September. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 17C to 27C, highest in August (18C to 27C) and lowest in October (17C to 24C).

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

This plant does well mounted.