Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium Orchid hybrids are the largest group of orchid family and as such are a varied group. One of the easier of the tropical species, Dendrobium pentapterum (pictured right) is from Papua New Guinea, however probably the best known species (worldwide) is Dendrobium nobile, one of the more important herbs that is used in Chinese medicine.

When caring for Dendrobium orchids remember they are epiphytic and require good light and ventilation.

Care

Dendrobiums Orchids like all plants require some care, they like to be in small pots with roots confined. An open potting mix which drains easily is essential.

Repoting is required if the mix becomes acid and wet or when the plant is rootbound. Detailed notes on how to grow dendrobium orchids and dendrobium orchid care are available from nurseries and suppliers.

Species

Australian Dendrobium species include : Dendrobium Bigibbum or the 'Cooktown Orchid' which is the floral emblem of QLD and Dendrobium speciosum or 'Sydney Rock Orchid', while Dendrobium kingianum or 'Pink Rock Lily' is found widely along the east coast of Queensland

Fertilizing

Like many orchids Dendrobiums prefer regular applications of diluted fertiliser rather than large amounts at any one time. Over fertilising is a sure way to kill Dendrobiums. They are not really particular about the actual fertiliser used, soluble is popular, a little blood and bone, some diluted liquid animal or seaweed fertiliser and always a low strength.

Stay away from high nitrogen fertilisers if you want flowers So a dilute liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season, and do not over do it. A little lime to get the pH of the potting mix to around 6.5 also helps.

Dendrobium Orchids : Dendrobium Orchis Species for sale ( Nurseries)

ROYALE ORCHIDS - phone (02) 43751199 Fax (02) 43751205 1360 Brieses Rd Peatsridge NSW 2250 Huge range of Cymbidium Orchids, Odontoglossums, Dendrodiums, Masdevallia and others. Orchid pots and orchid accessories including bark and coconut chips also gift certificates and plant naming available. www.royaleorchids.com

MT BEENAK ORCHIDS 27 Hackett Rd Three Bridges VIC 3797 Large range of cymbibium orchids. Masdevallia Seedlings & Species, Zygopetalum Alliance Hybrids, Odontoglossum Alliance Mericlones, Miscellaneous Genera Hybrids, Sphagnum Moss www.mtbeenakorchids.com.au

FERNACRES NURSERY 1052 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road Kinglake West 3757 Specialist variety of Australian native Dendrobium, Dockrillia & Sarcochilus species & hybrids, pots, loose, or mounted. Species Cymbidium sauve and maddidum. www.ferns.com.au

LYTTLE ORCHID CLONES - phone
5 Swifte Court Aberfoyle Park S.A. 5159
Flasks available and Orchid laboratory service for green pod sowing.

VALLANCES ORCHID NURSERY 02 6684 2011
e-mail sales@vallanceorchids.com

BRYANTS ORCHIDS 02 96689374
22-26 Cook St Kurnel NSW 2231
email gsbryant@bigpond.com

ADELAIDE ORCHIDS - phone 08 83812011
16 Pine Rd Woodcroft SA 5162
email stephen@adelaideorchids.com

FLORAFEST ORCHIDS - phone (07) 46301102
Darling St Drayton Toowoomba QLD 4350
email bj@eis.net.au