CULTURAL NOTES : HOW TO GROW AUSTRALIAN NATIVE DENDROBIUMS

There are over 1400 species of dendrobiums and related dockrillias to be found growing in nature throughout Asia and Australia. More than 60 species are native to Australia, most growing in coastal New South Wales and Queensland, although two species occur in Victoria and one in Tasmania. Many Australian native dendrobium species and their hybrids are suitable for growing in Victoria under shade house conditions or in a garden situation where they are sheltered from frost and direct sunlight. Over a thousand hybrids are now available, with flowers of nearly all colours, shapes and sizes.

POTTING. While a few species grow best when mounted on hardwood mounts or on tree fern slabs, the majority of Australian dendrobium species and hybrids grow well when potted in a 4:1-mix of pine bark (5-10 mm) and river gravel (5 mm). Black plastic squat pots with plenty of drainage holes are ideal. It is important not to use too large a pot – one that will comfortably accommodate the roots and allow enough space for two year’s growth is large enough.Dendrobiums are best repotted after they have flowered, just as their new growths are appearing between October and early December. If their roots are in good condition, simply transfer the plant to a larger pot and fill in with new mix. If some of the roots show signs of decay, remove them and all old potting mix and repot in fresh mix.

LIGHT AND AIR. All dendrobiums grow and flower better if grown where they receive diffuse light (approximately 50% sunlight) for most of the year, full light during winter. They grow best if their pots can be suspended near the roof of the shade house so that receive good light and plenty of air movement. In summer native dendrobiums require frequent watering, especially during hot weather. However, they should not be kept continually wet and grow best if the mix is allowed to dry briefly before being watered again. In winter, much less water is needed, once a week being enough for flowering-sized plants grown under cover.

FERTILISING. Australian native dendrobiums may be fertilised in two different ways or by a combination of both. One option is to apply granules of a slow-release fertiliser, such as Osmocote-Plus®, to the top of the mix in October (shake the pot so that the fertiliser enters the mix). The other is to apply a weak solution of a liquid fertiliser at fortnightly intervals between October and April. Use at only half of the manufacturer’s recommended concentration. Potassium-rich fertilisers, such as Campbell’s A®, generally result in better flowering.

These cultural notes are kindly provided by the North-East Melbourne Orchid Society.