Dendrobium tunense

Also known as: Diplocaulobium dendrocolla var. tunense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Dendrobium tunense is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 13cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped leaves that grow to 10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 638mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 22C to 30C, highest in May (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (22C to 26C).

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.