Dendrophylax varius

Also known as: The Different Dendrophylax or Orchis varia Aeranthes hymenantha Dendrophylax flexuosus Dendrophylax hymenanthus Limodorum flexuosum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba Haiti

General Information

The Different Dendrophylax is a small warm to hot growing epiphytic leafless orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba and Haiti.

Plant Description

Grows to 30cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal

Care Notes

This orchid is leafless so does best mounted, watering daily during warmer months and not so often during the cool months. Keep humidity high at all times to prevent roots from dying back, and provide gentle airflow to ensure that the roots do not gather mould and rot in cool weather. Because of their velamin coating the roots can withstand plenty of light, however it's best to keep them in the shade during hot weather so that the roots do not overheat.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 36mm to 185mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 79% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 31C, highest in July (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted.