Dimerandra
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Stems erect, furrowed, fleshy. Leaves numerous, alternate, distichous, linear, notched at the apex, graduating in size from the base. Inflorescences terminal, sessile, congested racemes, usually with one flower open at a time in succession. Flowers showy, rose, the lip with a central white patch. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar with the petals broader. Lip unlobed, obovate, with small basal callus. Column short, with a prominently two-lobed rostellum; pollinia 4, on caudicles.
Etymology
From the Greek di, meaning twice, meros, meaning part, and andra, meaning stamens, alluding to the large reflexed lobes of the clinandrium.
Distribution
A genus of eight species ranging from Mexico to Peru. All eight species were formerly included in one highly variable species known as Epidendrum stenopetalum W. J. Hooker.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Dimerandra on small slabs with minimal moisture retaining material at the roots or in small pots. Provide very bright light and intermediate to warm temperatures. Water frequently when in active growth allowing the roots to quickly dry off. After the growths have matured water sparingly, only enough to prevent the fleshy stems from shrivelling. Overwatering during the dormant season or overpotting which doesn’t allow for the roots to dry out between waterings frequently leads to failure with this genus.
Literature
Siegerist, E. S. 1986. The genus Dimerandra. Bot. Mus. Leafl. 30(4):199-222. Siegerist, E. S. 1987. The genus Dimerandra. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 56(4):388-401.
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