Dendrobium transparens

Also known as: The Translucent Dendrobium or Dendrobium henshallii Dendrobium henshalli in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: India Nepal

General Information

The Translucent Dendrobium is a medium to large sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic free-flowering orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India and Nepal.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-60cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 8-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-60cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous short lasting, fragrant blossoms appear readily

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

This orchid goes into a dormancy phase during winter, during this phase it is best not to provide water unless the plant is starting to look thirsty. The lack of water increases the chance of flowering in spring, and also reduces the likelihood of any rot forming. Do not resume watering until new growth has appeared and is growing strongly.

Often a period of intense growth occurs after dormancy. During this time the amount of light, water and fertiliser the plant receives will directly impact the amount of growth that occurs during this time, and in the case of seedlings, will reduce the time required to reach maturity.

It's recommended to heavily reduce the water amount at the middle to end of autumn to trigger dormancy. Leaves on older bulbs will begin to drop during this time while the newer bulbs continue to mature until terminal leaves appear at the tip of the pseudobulbs.

Repotting can be done any time of the year though it's best to do it in early spring when new growth is appearing as this also means new roots will appear to help the plant anchor into the new media and offset any damage to established roots during the repotting process.

 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 325mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 39% to 93%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 9C to 31C, highest in May (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (9C to 17C).

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

dormant-medium-demand-orchid 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,