Dendrobium wightii

Also known as: Wight's Dendrobium or Dendrobium graminifolium Callista graminifolia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: India

General Information

Wight's Dendrobium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India. It is named after the English Surgeon and Director of Botanical gardens in Asia in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-28cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-7.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-20cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 841mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 91%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 19C to 30C, highest in April (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (19C to 25C).

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.