Orchid Dendrobium 'Akatsuki' Purple-Yellow

The plant will come in a pot but if you wish to pot it up, do make sure you use a very light potting mixture - something like bark mixed with sphagnum moss. Standard orchid potting compost is also available. Give your Dendrobium a prominent spot in the living room, just not in direct sunlight. High humidity When standing in dry air, this orchid will appreciate being sprayed with rain water although it tolerates drought rather well. When growing, a higher level of humidity is desirable.

The Dendrobium likes a high degree of humidity in a light and sunny spot, although not direct sunlight. Water only when the potting medium is dry, preferably rain water or other chalk free water. Requires lots of water in the summer months, even tolerating a drenching in lukewarm rain water (actually the best way) although do make sure that the water drains away well. After flowering is over, a new shoot will appear at the base of the plant.
While in growth, feed with liquid fertiliser (high potassium content) every two weeks. Once it reaches its full height, do not water or feed and allow the plant to rest. Dormant period This Dendrobium requires a cool rest period! Stand the Dendrobium in a cooler room (14° C) on the windowsill and do not water in October or November. Bring back into the warm living room from January and feed and water. Stop fertilising once the shoot is as long as its predecessor and the orchid will make new buds on the new shoots, completing the cycle.

This botanical variety is originally from the tropical South East Asia. Orchids are epyphytic, which means they grow on the branches of trees. This means they are constantly in full sun. The plant forms aerial roots that can detract water from the air. These roots are now in the pot so it is of great importance that the potting medium is allowed to dry out between waterings. The rest period in its natural surroundings is several very dry months in October and November.