About
Dendrobium mortii, the slender pencil orchid, is a modest to mid-sized epiphytic or lithophytic tropical orchid with thin, pencil-like, fleshy, green leaves 4�10 cm long on pendulous stems to 70 cm long. Solitary, inverted flowers approximately 2 cm across emerge from the leaf axils � pale-green petals and sepals with a white, purple-marked lip. A distinctive and unusual orchid for a warm to intermediate greenhouse.
About the genus
Dendrobium are one of the largest genera of orchids, comprising epiphytic and terrestrial species from tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia and the Pacific. They produce elongated, cane-like or club-shaped pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves, and racemes of showy flowers from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Dendrobium span a huge range of sizes, habits and cultural requirements.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitPendulous weeping, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toAustralia (NSW, Queensland)
Care notes
CultivationPlants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a basket in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide bright light and sufficient humidity by misting regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required.
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes - remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free.