Dendrobium striolatum

Also known as: Streaked Rock Orchid or Dendrobium milligani Dockrillia banksii Dockrillia striolata h.f. alba Dockrillia striolata ssp. striolata Dendrobium striolatum var. beckleri Dockrillia striolata ssp. chrysantha Callista striolata Dendrobium milliganii Dockrillia striolata Rat Tail Orchid (Australia) in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New South Wales - Australia Tasmania - Australia Victoria - Australia

General Information

Streaked Rock Orchid is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 5-60cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 4-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-60cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 135mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 61% to 70%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 4C to 22C, highest in July (14C to 22C) and lowest in January (4C to 12C).

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.

Mist during hot weather

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.