Geodorum densiflorum

Also known as: The Densely Flowered Geodorum or Ortmannia cernua Otandra cernua Epidendrum tuberosum Geodorum tricarinatum Eulophia picta Geodorum nutans Geodorum pacificum Limodorum nutans Geodorum densiflorum var. kalimpongense Tropidia grandis Cymbidium pictum Geodorum appendiculatum Geodorum candidum Geodorum pallidum Geodorum purpureum Dendrobium haenkeanum Geodorum neocaledonicum Geodorum fucatum Malaxis cernua Malaxis nutans Cymbidium nutans Arethusa glutinosa Cistella cernua Dendrobium nutans Geodorum rariflorum Geodorum semicristatum Geodorum formosanum Limodorum candidum In Japan - Tosaka-meoto-ran in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia China Fiji India Thailand

General Information

The Densely Flowered Geodorum is a small warm to hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia, China, Fiji, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Grows to 45cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 8-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3cm

Substrate(s)

• Fine
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 602mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 65% to 84%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 27C, highest in March (19C to 27C) and lowest in January (18C to 24C).

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

This orchid prefers a fine, well draining media. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they may have 'wetting agents' that retain water for too long. A simple mix made up of 20% sand, 50% peat or moss, with the remaining 30% made up of decomposed bark and leaf litter would be adequate. Adding some charcoal to the mix will also help it last longer.

Repotting depends on how wet the media is usually. Every 2-3 years would suffice, or whenever the media shows signs of clumping, staying wet for too long, or smells foul.  

Repotting is best done annually.