Dendrobium subuliferum

Also known as: The Round Flowered Dendrobium or Dendrobium subuliferum var. gautierense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Round Flowered Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid leaves that grow to 1.8-2.8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-0.9cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Winter

Blooming Season

• Summer
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 89mm to 183mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 71% to 76%, highest in January and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 15C to 28C, highest in May (17C to 28C) and lowest in February (15C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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

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,