Dendrobium antennatum

Dendrobium antennatum Lindley [Rchb.f]J.J.Sm. 1843

Synonyms: The Antennaed Dendrobium, Antelope Orchid, The Green Antelope Orchid

Distribution & Occurrence:

Queensland, Solomon Islands & parts of Papua New Guinea on high tree branches at elevations below 1500 meters

The Plant

Hot to warm growing with erect cylindrical, cane like and basally swollen pseudo bulbs with narrow leaves of apple green. Plant can grow upto 60-80 cms tall

Flowers are fragrant and long lasting. Each inflorescence has about 10-15 flowers arising from the apex of the pseudobulb

Blooms freely throughout the year

Cultural Requirements and Nutrition

Can be grown in direct sunlight similar to vanda. This orchid likes a fast draining media and likes to be dry between watering and does not like to wet too long.

I am growing this orchid in a plastic pot with coco chips and charcoal mix. I weakly weekly fertilize through out the year. It is growing in a bright location and receives direct sunlight for a couple of hours in a day.

Pest and Diseases

Snails and slugs are attracted to this plant. Other common dendrobium pests like aphids and thrips and common dendrobium diseases

Hybrids

This orchid is extensively used in hybrids

Dendrobium Antennatum in bloom in Nov 2013

Blooming again with multiple spikes in Dec 2014