Dendrochilum convallariiforme

Also known as: The Lilly Of the Valley or Platyclinis bistorta Dendrochilum convallariaeforme h.v. convallarieforme Acoridium confusum Dendrochilum convallariiforme var. convallariiforme Dendrochilum convallariiforme var. minor Acoridium bistortum Dendrochilum bistortum Dendrochilum confusum Dendrochilum bicallosum Dendrochilum convallariaeforme Dendrochilum bicallosum var. minor in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bicol - Philippines Calabarzon - Philippines Central Luzon - Philippines Mimaropa - Philippines

General Information

The Lilly Of the Valley is a small sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 12cm. Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-2.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 432mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 17C to 31C, highest in April (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (17C 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.

Mist during hot weather

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 during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.