Dendrobium kingianum 'Album'
A clump-forming, epiphytic orchid with three to five dark alternate green leaves arranged at the end on long, upright, cane-like stems. Each new stem (pseudobulb) is covered in thin, silvery sheaths. Lance-shaped, leathery, leaves are 10cm long and 2.5cm wide. Flowering stems up to 15cm long appear from tips of mature pseudobulbs is spring and carry a cluster of 2-3cm large, white, scented flowers.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | White | Green | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
Winter | Green Grey Silver | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Genus
Dendrobium are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with elongated, stem-like pseudobulbs bearing linear to ovate leaves. Racemes or panicles of showy flowers are produced from nodes along the stems mainly in spring
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants are best grown in a pot in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide dappled shade and higher humidity in spring and summer, then move the plant to a bright, but cool room in autumn and winter. Reduce watering and feeding until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. See indoor orchid cultivation
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes -remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are at least three, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
Get involved
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