Dendrobium validipecten

Also known as: The Strongly Combed Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Strongly Combed Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-40cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped leaves that grow to 3.8-5.6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 152mm to 518mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 81% to 85%, highest in May and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 21C, highest in November (14C to 21C) and lowest in January (13C to 20C).

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.

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

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.