Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Native Orchids

Dendrobium speciosum

While there is no doubt that cattleya, cymbidium, phalaenopsis, vanda and other exotic orchids are absolutely superb, Australian native orchids have a charm that is hard to resist once one becomes familiar with them.

Because there are so many different genera and species and because my space in this column is limited, I'm going to concentrate on just two members of one family, the dendrobiums, which are perhaps the most commonly-found native orchids in these parts.

The best known is D. speciosum, also referred to as the rock lily or king orchid, which throws out sprays of spectacular creamy-yellow, perfumed flowers. It makes itself at home in both rocky ledges and on the branches of well-established native trees and is widespread from northern Queensland to south of Sydney where it can still be found in some national parks. It is a joy to grow because its hardiness makes it practically impossible to kill, although protection from frosts and flooding is advisable. Dendrobium speciosum can assume imposing proportions and looks very effective nestled into a hollowed-out tree stump or log. Hold the roots in place with some orchid compost and water in well.

Another extremely popular dendrobium is D. kingianum or lily-of-the-valley orchid, which refers not to any similarity in perfume, but in the dainty nodding flower heads. These flowers range in colour from white to pale pink, red and purple. Although not as tough as D. speciosum, it is easy to grow if it is given enough moisture to create a humid environment. Garden centres often sell D. kingianum attached to a backing board, but home gardeners can establish it in a pot, tie it directly onto a tree branch, or plant it in a shady rockery, where it will multiply quite happily over the years.

A regular liquid feed of a weakly-diluted organic soluble fertiliser will keep them healthy and happy.