Dendrobium ypsilon
Also known as: The Y in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Thailand
General Information
The Y is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 5-20cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3.8-7.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-13cm
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 290mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 20C to 33C, highest in March (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).
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.