Dendrobium tricuspe

Also known as: The Three Keeled Dendrobium or Aporum tricuspis Dendrobium kohlmeyerianum Ceraia tricuspis Ceraia kohlmeyeriana Callista tricuspis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Three Keeled Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 13-100cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 602mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 65% to 84%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in March (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 29C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.