Dipodium pictum

Also known as: The Painted Dipodium or Wailesia picta in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Malaysia

General Information

The Painted Dipodium is a monopodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Malaysia.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2.5-55cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 18C to 29C, highest in August (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (18C to 27C).

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.

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. Repotting is best done annually.