About
Dendrobium kingianum, the pink rock orchid, is a popular, compact, clump-forming epiphytic orchid from eastern Australia with erect, narrowly conical pseudobulbs topped by up to six leaves 3�10 cm long. In late winter to early spring, erect racemes to 15 cm long bear fragrant, pink, purple or white flowers to 4 cm across with a crimson or purple-veined, blotched lip. One of the most rewarding and widely grown of the hardy cool-growing dendrobiums.
About the genus
Dendrobium are one of the largest genera of orchids, comprising epiphytic and terrestrial species from tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia and the Pacific. They produce elongated, cane-like or club-shaped pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves, and racemes of showy flowers from nodes along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Dendrobium span a huge range of sizes, habits and cultural requirements.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toAustralia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open medium with plenty of light, fresh air and good humidity. In spring and summer, water when compost starts to dry out. In winter, reduce watering and allow a 4 week period of daytime temperature around 8°C to encourage flowering. Feed regularly when in growth. See Orchids: indoor cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary.
PropagationPropagate from division or from keikis. Pot keikis when their roots are 2cm long
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free