Dendrobium xiphophyllum

Also known as: The Razor in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Razor is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the laterally compressed leaves.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-40cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 25-33cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 18C to 29C, highest in August (18C to 29C) and lowest in January (18C to 27C).

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.

Be sure to provide strong air circulation after watering to prevent fungal and bacterial infections from water sitting on leaves.

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.