Dendrobium laevifolium

Base Price: $25.00

Intro:
Dendrobium laevifolium is a compact, miniature species native to New Guinea it is in the oxyglosum group but is easier to grow and will tolerate warmer temperatures and somewhat drier conditions than most varieties in this group. The plant is compact with smooth shiny leaves flushed in red-purple. The flowers emerge from the base of the pseudobulb or sometimes from the top between the leaves. They are long lasting and colorful.

Light:
This plant prefers medium light. The color of the leaves is often a good indication as to whether it is receiving the right light. They should have a reddish purple flush if in the correct light. Too little light will cause the leaves to remain green and they will also be narrow in width. East windows or artificial light culture is ideal.

Temperature:
This plant prefers intermediate temperatures and prefers winter nighttime lows of 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Daytime highs should be 70 to 75. Summer temps can be up to 10-12 degrees higher.

Humidity:
50% or higher is ideal.

Water:
It is best to use rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosiswater. Municipal water with a pH of 7.5 or lower can also be used. Water as the mix approaches dryness but do not allow the mix to become completely dry between watering.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend using Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water if plants are planted in bark. Be sure to flush the mix with clear water only once per month to prevent fertilizer salt build up. For plants in moss or mounted on slabs feed every third or 4th watering as the moss holds a lot of nutrients.

Or use GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.

Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).

Flowering:
This plant can flower at anytime of year on older growths. The flowers are ¾ to an inch in size are deep violet purple and each flower lasts 2-3 months.

Repotting:
Repot this plant in the spring months using New Zealand Sphagnum Moss. Plastic pots or net pots are ideal. Repot every year to year and a half.