Dendrochilum glumaceum

Also known as: The Husk or Platyclinis glumacea h.v. valida Dendrochilum glumaceum h.f. album Dendrochilum glumaceum h.v. latifolium Dendrochilum glumaceum h.v. validum Platyclinis glumacea in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

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

General Information

The Husk is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines. The name refers to the appearance of the unopened inflorescence.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has a single lance shaped leaf that grows to 2-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-3cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

This orchid goes into a dormancy phase during winter, during this phase it is best not to provide water unless the plant is starting to look thirsty. The lack of water increases the chance of flowering in spring, and also reduces the likelihood of any rot forming. Do not resume watering until new growth has appeared and is growing strongly.

Often a period of intense growth occurs after dormancy. During this time the amount of light, water and fertiliser the plant receives will directly impact the amount of growth that occurs during this time, and in the case of seedlings, will reduce the time required to reach maturity.

It's recommended to heavily reduce the water amount at the middle to end of autumn to trigger dormancy. Leaves on older bulbs will begin to drop during this time while the newer bulbs continue to mature until terminal leaves appear at the tip of the pseudobulbs.

Repotting can be done any time of the year though it's best to do it in early spring when new growth is appearing as this also means new roots will appear to help the plant anchor into the new media and offset any damage to established roots during the repotting process.

 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids thrive in cool, conditions with good airflow. When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 1161mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 83% to 93%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 10C to 22C, highest in April (13C to 22C) and lowest in January (10C to 19C).

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.

Mist during hot weather

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid 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 well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.