|
DENDROCHILUM
Genus of about 300Epiphytic, lithophytic and a few terrestrial species, belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Many websites state a lesser number of species in this genus (varying between 100 and 150), but the authoritative World Checklist of Monocotyledons of Kew Botanical Bardens gives 390 records, including names that have become synonyms. Many of these orchids, actually 67, were named by Johannes Jacobus Smith, an eminent Dutch botanist.
Features
This genus has a wide variety of miniature, fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are generally produced in two rows on erect or arching pendant, many-flowered racemes. These inflorescences can grow to a length of 50 cm (Dendrochilum glumaceum). Their stems contain ovoid to cylindrical, striped, sharply reduced pseudobulbs, about 4-10 cm long, with green to brown bracts at their base. Each carries one or two erect, though, lanceolate leaves, about 20 cm long, with narrow petioles. The elliptical leaves of Dendrochilum longifolium may grow to a length of 40 cm. These orchids are popular among fans of non-traditional orchid curiosities.
Light and Temperature
Bright filtered light with no direct sun. Leaves should be medium green in color with a slight pinkish tinge which indicates maximum light levels around 1000- 1500 foot-candles-bright filtered light with no direct sun. 75°- 80° F(24-27 Celsius) in daytime and 55°- 60°F (13-16 Celsius)nights are the preferred temperatures.
Good Light and. Bad Light
Light is a key factor in growing healthy orchids. Direct sunlight may cause plants to burn, and too little light will prevent plants from flowering. An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds. If you receive your plant by mail, expose it to light gradually in stages over a period of several weeks.
Leaf color is a good indicator of the amount of light a plant is receiving. Orchids should have bright green, healthy leaves. Dark green leaves indicate that a plant is getting insufficient light, and yellowish-green or red leaves indicate that a plant is getting too much light. If you suspect a plant is exposed to too much light, feel the leaves. If they feel noticeably warmer than the surrounding air, move the plant to a location with less intense brightness.
Watering Culture and Feeding
Never allow Dendrochilum to remain dry for any length of time. Crinkled leaves are a sign of insufficient water. Feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Grow 7-9-5 at the rate of 1/4 tsp./gal. with each watering. Dendrochilum should be grown in indirect sun light and shaded areas. Leaves should be bright yellow green. Species are generally grown in warm to intermediate temperatures, but some can tolerate cold temperatures. Plants should be water about once a week. Increase watering rate in the summer. Never allow the potting mix to dry out. Fertilize approximately every six week with half strength fertilizer and reduce fertilizing during the winter. Repot the mix approximately every three years. Pot plant with 50% perlite and 50% fine bark or pot in full sphagnum moss
To promote flowering, feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Bloom 3-12-6 or Mag-Pro™ 2-15-4 at the same rates and frequencies beginning 4-5 weeks before flower spike initiation.
Humidity
Dendrochilum enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.
Repotting & Repot
Dendrochilum should be repotted at least every two years in a fine grade of fir bark or Fine Dyna-Rok II. They prefer to be somewhat crowded in the pot, so do not over pot.
Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.
.gif)
|
CIRRHOPETALUM
The name Cirrhopetalum is probably a combination of the Latin word cirrus which means fringe and the Greek word petalon meaning petals, in reference to its fringe petals.
This orchid is an Epiphyte and the largest genus of orchids with over 1805 species it is also the most geographically diverse. The name Bulbophyllum is taken from the Greek bulbos, a bulb, and phyllon a leaf. This refers to the leaf that grows on top of each pseudobulb they vary considerably in their distribution, and in climatic variations they have variations in habit of growth, and size of flower. Some blooms have an attractive perfume, others have a repulsive odour. Nevertheless, many others have no scent at all.All plants in the genus are epiphytic,
Most Bulbophyllum , And CIRRHOPETALUMS, are easier to grow mounted and to us present a more natural appearance. Most are rambling growers and resent being disturbed; however, they do not seem to mind an occassional clipping of a few unruly leads to keep them neat.
Light & Water
Bulbophyllum This plant prefers medium to high light from 2,500 to 5,000 foot candles ,and their relatives require a good amount of light. They enjoyfull sun in the morning, but will require shading from about 11am-3pm; less shading will be necessary in the late afternoon. Their leaves should be a light green color, and a darker green color indicates too little sun.
Basically, Bulbophyllum grow best when their potting medium becomes dry in between waterings. These plants are epiphytes in nature, and are used to drying out between the rains of their natural habitat.
Temperature:
The ideal day temperature is 75-85 F,(20-30 C), while the ideal night temperature is 60-65 F,(16-18 C) . Occasional temperature extremes are tolerated if exposure is not prolonged.
These Bulbophyllum enjoy full morning sun, but will require shading between 11am and 3pm - less shading will be needed in late afternoon. An overhead light source is most effective.
Bulbophyllum grow best when their potting medium becomes dry between waterings. They are epiphytes in Nature, and are accustomed to becoming fairly dry between the rains of their natural habitat. Some types may require a time of drought to initiate flowering.
Humidity:
Bulbophyllum enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 50-60% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 60% and 85%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather
Feeding & Repot
High nitrogen fertilizers should be used from February until July, while low nitrogen fertilizers should be used from August until January. Feed (at 1/4 strength once a week).
Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.
|
Loading...
