Dendrochilum luzonense

Also known as: The Luzon Dendrochilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines

General Information

The Luzon Dendrochilum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines.

Plant Description

Grows to 25-60cm. Each new growth has numerous terete shaped leaves that grow to 0.1-50cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-10cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at 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 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

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.