Dendrobium womersleyi

Also known as: Womersley's Dendrobium or Dendrobium womersleyi var. autophilum Dendrobium womersleyi var. womersleyi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Womersley's Dendrobium is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Australian Orcvhid Collector in New Guinea in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-122cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 1cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-122cm

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 119mm to 285mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 12C to 24C, highest in May (14C to 24C) and lowest in December (12C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

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.