Dendrobium vandaefolium

General Information

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

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 100-400cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 13-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 100-400cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 155mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 16C to 30C, highest in August (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (16C to 24C).

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.

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

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