Species of the Month – March 2016
Dendrobium farmeri Paxton 1849 SECTION Densiflorum
Distribution:
This species is a medium to large sized hot to warm growing epiphyte found in North East India, Western 
Himalayan range to Malaysian peninsula.
Stems are clavate and 4 angled with 2-4 leaves towards the apex.
Culture:
This species has two distinct seasons in its natural habitat. During its growing season it receives copious rain fall and fertilization and winters are dry and cold. This species is deciduous (looses leaf after 2 seasons) in nature and remains dormant during winter and blooms in early spring on upper nodes of its leafless canes.
Fairly easy to grow in Bangalore.Grow the plant in bright light and keep it moist and fertilize during the growing season. Withhold fertilization during winter and regularly mist the canes to keep the pseudobulbs from shrivelling.
Notably, D. farmeri does not bloom if kept in shade.
Blooms once a year in spring and blooms can last 2-3 weeks in good care.
Could be grown as mounted or potted but does well if mounted.
Article and Photos by: Mr. Sriram Kumar