An easy orchid to grow in warm conditions Dockrillia orchids have succulent like leaves and around 30 species have been identified . They are found in Australia however the genus is also represented in New Guinea, Fiji and nearby areas.
Sometimes called ‘Rock Orchids’ as they are commonly found growing rocks, as well as on trees the root systems find their way into cracks and crevices and through the general debris that collects in such situations. In culture they are mainly grown in hanging baskets.
Dockrillia Orchids are an orchid genus only recently given its own status. Originally a part of the Dendrobium group Dockrillia are ephiphytic or lithophytic orchid are native to Australia and New Guinea through the South Pacific to Tahiti, a widely spread and varied genus. Dockrillia striolata pictured right is from Tasmania
How To Grow Dockrillia Orchids – Basic Care
As we can see from the distribution different Dockrillia species will require different care, humidity and heat are the main factors to consider.
Most Dockrillia species are epiphytic, growing naturally on trees such as the Hoop Pine, in cultivation backing boards are used, tree fern and cork being widely used for mounting. Some are lithophytes hoever can be grown the same way.
Light is an important factor, they naturally grow in dappled shade or filtered light, often with periods of direct sun, however not hot direct afternoon summer sun and not deep shade, so provide similar conditions using shade cloth if needed.
A lack of light along with a lack of nutrients will inhibit flowering.
The flowering period for most species is best described as sporadic. They can flower at just about any time of the year, spring is fairly common, however other seasons are not uncommon.
Watering regime will depend on climate and growing conditions. Regular watering during summer is required to retain moisture. Slightly less water in winter. Allow the growing medium to slightly dry between waterings.
A few applications of a liquid (low nitrogen) orchid fertiliser after flowering can also improve both growth and flowering.
Whats the difference between Dockrillia Orchids and Dendrobiums ?
The question is asked why were the Dockrillias only recently separated into a specific genus?
This has mainly to do with the terete leaved structure, a cylindrical leaf, like a rats tail. They also lack the pseudo bulb of the dendrobium.
In terms of species D. striolata is probably the most commonly grown, also called the ‘pencil orchid’ just another way of describing the leaf structure. This is a sub tropical species from Northern Australia. From the other extreme we have Dockrillia striolata subsp striolata, from Tasmania.
Dockrillia Orchids – Species and Notes
- D. nugentii – Found in Queensland, epiphytic with white to cream flowers.
- D. striolata – One of the easiest to grow, streaked petals and commonly called the ‘Streaked Rock Orchid’. And this one will grow in cooler climates.
- D. rigida – Very attractive tropical species, flowers vary from a creamy yellow to white with pink to crimson sometimes on the reverse.
- D. mortii – A very rare species in cultivation and in the wild, one of the most delicate of the genus.
- D. bowmanii – Pale lime green flowers with a white labellum.
- D. schoenina – Cream petals with some magenta striping.
- D.linguiformis – Commonly called the tongue orchid, white to creamy white flowers.
- D.teretifolia – White flowers and with a slightly pendulous growth habit.
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