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Dendrobium speciosum hillii
Rock Lily
| The second largest Orchid group has accumulated over 1600 wildly varying species. Found from lush tropical jungles to the Himalayas, these tree-dwellers range from mere inches to a height of 10 feet, and from single large flowers on short stems to massive canes with literally thousands of blossoms. Grow outdoors only in tropical climates like Hawaii's, otherwise in homes or greenhouses. Pot in an orchid mix for epiphytes, or mount on a slab of bark. While nearly all require ample sun, warmth and water, 5 basic types have different leafing, blooming and resting cycles. (1) Those with short, hairy black stems have no real rest period, producing long-lasting spring blossoms. (2) Deciduous canes need a cooler location (45º to 50º F) when leaves start dropping. Keep dry 6 to 8 weeks, and as flower buds develop, return to a warmer spot and resume watering. (3) The evergreen canes need dark cool nights (55º F) in late fall to start budding, and a month-long dry rest after blooming. (4) Give pseudobulb types a dry month to promote budding, and another, 2-month dry rest after flowers drop. Finally, (5) finicky evergreen phalaenopsis types demand near-constant temperatures and moisture, with just a brief drier period as buds form. Even within these categories, species' needs vary as widely as their native habitats -- but with so many to choose from, you are sure to find some that you can grow. |
A phalanx of pale, cupped flowers crowd the arching stems. Cylindrical or club-shaped pseudobulbs may reach over 3 feet tall, with foot-long leathery leaves.
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Attributes - Dendrobium speciosum hillii
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Late Winter through Early Spring
Flower Color: White, Yellow
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 2 ft. 6 in. to 3 ft. 4 in.
Width: 3 ft. 4 in.
Sunlight: Partial Sun, Shade
Climate: Zones 10, 11
Notes: Container Plants, Fragrant, Showy Flowers.
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