Ku-Ring-Gai Orchid Society

CULTURE NOTES FOR AUSTRALIAN NATIVE DENDROBIUMS.

There are over 1,200 species in the Dendrobium family, a wide variety of plant habitats, also flower forms ,and colour.

These culture notes are specific for native Dendrobiums and hybrids grown in N.S.W.

HOUSING

If you are lucky enough to have a shade house the covering should be 50%-70% shade, if you want to grow Warm-Cool Dendrobiums you will need a glass or polycarbonate roof over your growing area,

Warm-Cool plants have Den. Bigibbum in their breeding back ground or Den. Bigibbum itself.

WATERING

The frequency of water is related to the amount of rain that falls on your growing area, if there is no rain then once a week in winter and twice a week in summer.

REPOTTING

Repot Den’s. Soon after flowering, this eliminates the risk of braking off the new growth.

COMPOST

Seedlings—use small bark with 10-20% river gravel added.

Larger Plants—Medium bark with 10-20% river gravel added.

FERTILISER

Use any of the following at ½ strength,  Aquasol, Fish Emulsion, Nitrosol, Maxicrop, Etc. in the growing season Spring to Autumn.

PEST AND DISEASE

Use Confidor for Aphids and Mealy Bug.

Use Eco-Oil for Scale.

Keep a look out for slugs and snails.

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