Dimerandra elegans

Also known as: The Elegant Dimerandra or Dimerandra major Dimerandra isthmi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia French Guiana Guyana Panama Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

The Elegant Dimerandra is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, and Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1-11cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 33C, highest in March (21C to 33C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

Watering

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

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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted.