SERIES 36 | Episode 33
Clarence visits an orchid nursery north of Sydney where all the orchids can be seen growing in a natural setting.
Many orchids are epiphytes – they grow on other plants or trees without drawing nutrients from them. Instead, the orchids survive on rain and organic debris that falls on them for their nourishment.
Other orchids are lithophytes, attaching themselves to rocks, although they draw their nutrients in the same way.
Clarence looks at five native Dendrobium orchids that can be easily introduced to a garden.
Pink Rock Orchid
This tough, well-known orchid grows along Australia’s east coast, thriving on rock faces and in leaf litter. It handles both direct sun and drought. In spring the pink flowers are produced in mass. These orchids and many other dendrobiums produce mini clones, called keikis, that start out as part of the stem then producing their own roots and eventually falling off, forming a new plant wherever they land.
Beech orchid
This rare orchid is a protected species and is found in highly specific conditions – it is naturally found growing on ancient Nothofagus Antarctic beech trees found in the remnant Gondwanan rainforests in northern NSW and southern Qld. It produces white, scented flowers. Being a highland species, it tolerates cold weather and frosts and flowers best after a cold spell.
Blotched Cane Orchid
The blotched cane orchid grows naturally on trees and rocks and produces sprays of small, greenish flowers spotted with red, from mid-winter to spring. It can be found from central NSW to the tip of Cape York. It thrives in cool to warm conditions and up to 600m elevation.
Sydney Rock Orchids
Sydney Rock Orchids will thrive on cliffs and rocky outcrops but will tolerate a range of conditions. They can cope with cool weather, full sun, limited water and still produce huge thick sprays of creamy yellow flowers in spring.
Two popular sub species include Dendrobium speciosum var. hillii, which has creamy white blooms, and Dendrobium speciosum var. speciosum, with yellowish flowers.
They all have a delicious, honey-like fragrance that intensifies in warm weather.
Native bees, especially the stingless Trigona species, are its natural pollinators.
The scent lures the bees in but is deceptive – the flowers actually produce very little nectar.
Dendrobium x gracillimum
This is a natural hybrid between the Sydney rock orchid and Dendrobium gracilicaule. It can be found in coastal NSW and Qld and while it was once common it’s now rare. It will grow as an epiphyte or lithophyte and produces long flower spikes of golden-yellow blooms.
Eye-level Orchids
To enjoy orchids at eye level, attach them to a tree in your garden. This also ensures the orchids have the air movement and dappled light they need. It’ s best to choose tree that don’t shed their bark – rainforest trees such as Illawarra flame trees and Queensland bottle trees are perfect.
Clarence demonstrates how best to do this:Start with a small specimen that’s not too heavy. Shake off the excess potting medium. Secure the orchid with flexible ties such as pantyhose or soft twine. If you can find a natural fork to help support the orchid, this works even better. It will take 6-12 months for the new roots to establish and attach themselves to the trunk, so leave the ties in place until then. Regular misting with a hose mimics the natural rainfall and humidity. Featured Plants PINK ROCK ORCHIDDendrobium kingianumBEECH ORCHIDDendrobium falcorostrumBLOTCHED CANE ORCHIDDendrobium gracilicaule SYDNEY ROCK ORCHIDDendrobium speciosum Dendrobium speciosum var. hillii Dendrobium speciosum var. speciosum Dendrobium × gracillimum
Filmed on Dharug Country | Kenthurst, NSW
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