Diplocaulobium elongaticolle

Also known as: Clemens' Diplocaulobium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Palau

General Information

Clemens' Diplocaulobium is a sympodial intermediate to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Palau. It is named after the American Female Orchid Collector in Malesia early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35-45cm. Each new growth has a single erect leaf that grows to 0.9-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.18-42cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 173mm to 427mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 84% to 87%, highest in May and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 23C to 31C, highest in April (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (23C to 29C).

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.

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

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