About

Dendrobium speciosum, the rock lily, is a robust, lithophytic or epiphytic orchid from eastern Australia with massive, club-shaped pseudobulbs to 60 cm or more bearing two to five leathery, dark-green leaves. In late winter and spring, densely packed racemes to 50 cm long carry hundreds of fragrant, creamy-white to yellow, 3 cm flowers. One of the most spectacular of all Australian native orchids.

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.

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.

Care notes

CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
PropagationDivide offsets or bulbils when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.
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