Dendrobium xichouense
Also known as: The Xichou Dendrobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: China
General Information
The Xichou Dendrobium is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China. It is named after a town in Yunnan Province.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 10-30cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.8-4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-30cm
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Blooming Season
- Summer
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 259mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 61% to 79%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 3C to 26C, highest in May (16C to 26C) and lowest in January (3C to 14C).
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.
Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.