Dendrobium loddigesii

Description

Dendrobium loddigesii (Loddiges' dendrobium) is a miniature to small sized, warm to cold growing epiphyte, lithophyte or terrestrial orchid that comes from Laos, Vietnam, and China. It is found in humid, mossy, mixed and coniferous forests at elevations of 1000 to 1500 meters, in areas with dry winter and a wet spring and summer. The plant has tufted, pendant, subterete, striated, several-noded, white-sheathed stems carrying alternate, fleshy, oblong, acute leaves. Plicatol B is a phenanthrene that can be isolated from the orchid. The long-lasting, fragrant flowers are found from winter to spring on short to 3", single flowered inflorescence that arise from the nodes of leafless canes. The flower size is usually about 2". The petals are lilac in colour, the sepals are purple, and the lips are reddish orange. Fertilizing: Plants may be fertilized with: 1. water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; 3. or organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water-soluble fertilizers are used every two weeks or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are carefully worked into the soil usually only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, follow label directions. Allow houseplants to 'rest' during the winter months; stop fertilizing in late October and resume feeding in late February. Lighting: Preference low to moderate lighting, as full sun may burn leaves. Watering: Preference mist every 1–2 days on warmer weather, while mist 1-2 times a week on cooler evenings.