Dendrobium tetragonum var. giganteum
Dendrobium tetragonum is also called The Rectangular-Bulbed Dendrobium.
Synonyms:
The Blotched Tree Spider Orchid
The Banded Tree Spider Orchid
Callista tetragona
Dendrobium capitisyork
Dendrobium tetragonum subsp. cataractarum
Dendrobium tetragonum subsp. giganteum
Dendrobium tetragonum var. giganteum
Dendrobium tetragonum var. hayesianum
Dendrobium tetragonum var. serpentis
Dendrobium tetragonum var. tomentosum
Dendrobium tetragonum var. variabilis
Dendrocoryne tetragonum
Tetrabaculum capitisyork
Tetrabaculum tetragonum
Tropilis tetragona
It is a species of the genus Dendrobium. This species was described by Allan Cunningham ex John Lindley in 1839.
Dendrobium tetragonum is native to the Southeast Australia. Their natural habitat extends from the areas south of Sydney to the Brisbane area in the north. Usually they are found close to the coast, but sometimes they are found growing on the low eastern slopes of the Dividing Range around 100 km inland. Occasionally, they are found even at the heights of about 1000 m, but usually grow much lower. In the northern (warmer) part of the natural habitat they rarely grow above 500 m. They are generally found in damp, shady areas with strong air movement, such as ravines. They also grow on trees in rainforests, near swamps and along mountain valleys.
It is a cool to warm growing, small to medium sized, epiphytic species, which reaching 5-50 cm in height. The Rectangular-Bulbed Dendrobium blooms in fall till spring with 1 to 5, variable shaped, very fragrant flowers. A single flower lasts for 10-20 days, but more flowers can grow for several months. The flower size is 5 x 15 cm.
Light:
Dendrobium tetragonum needs a light level of 15000-30000 lux. It is recommended 60% shading and strong air movement.
Temperature:
It is a plant with moderate thermal requirements. The average temperature of the summer day is 25°C, the night 15-17°C, which gives a daily difference of 8-10°C. The average temperature of the winter day is 17-20°C, and the winter night is 5-8°C, giving a daily difference of 12-13°C.
Humidity:
The Rectangular-Bulbed Dendrobium needs the humidity of 75-80% for most of the year, falling to around 70% in winter.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Mounting on a hardwood or rootstock is preferred due to the overhanging vegetation. It is easy to root rot when the plant is mounted on a tree fern rootstock, because it keeps too much water. The plants should lightly dry between successive waterings. Repotting is best done when new roots are actively growing, but these plants are very retreating in growth if they are violated.
Watering:
Precipitation is moderate to heavy for most of the year, but in the 2-3 winter months the conditions are slightly drier. Dendrobium tetragonum should be kept moist and not allowed to dry completely.
Fertilizer:
A 1/4-1/2 standard dose is recommended every week. High nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial from spring to mid-summer, and then use highly phosphoric fertilizer.
Rest period:
Dendrobium tetragonum should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings, but they can not staying dry too long. Fertilization should be reduced or eliminated whenever the amount of water decreases.