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Conservatory Greenhouse

Dendrobium cuthbertsonii

A miniature, epiphytic or lithophytic orchid with clump-forming, 5-8cm long stems carrying fleshy, rough-textured leaves. Each small, lance-shaped leaf is 0.5-4cm long. Solitary flowers appear on short stems from mature pseudobulbs. The flowers are 3-4cm large, and vary in colour from white, through pale pink to orange, dark red and can also be two-toned.

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Yellow Pink Green
Summer White Yellow Pink Green
Autumn White Yellow Pink Green
Winter White Yellow Pink Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves. Racemes or panicles of showy flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Guinea

How to grow

Cultivation

This tropical, highland orchid species requires specific growing conditions to grow well. Plants are best grown in pot with fresh sphagnum moss, or mounted if sufficient humidity can be provided. Moss should be replaced regularly - every, or every other spring when the new growth starts. Humidity of over 80% and excellent air movement are essential. To grow well, plant requires a temperature of 10-15°C between day and night. This species has exceptionally long-lasting flowers that can last up to one year if grown in optimal environment. See indoor orchid cultivation

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required.

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

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