Q: I was given this orchid many years ago and it has now flowered. My neighbour says it’s a native orchid. Is it better to grow it in the garden or on a tree? I nearly pulled it out five years ago but left it alone, now I’ve been rewarded, quite exciting really.
David K., Wollongong, NSW
A: It is a native rock orchid (
Dendrobium speciosum hybrid), with its species once commonly found growing on exposed rock shelves in the bush. Today, most growers mount them on trees to enable easier viewing of the perfumed, delicate flowers in spring. I have a good collection of dendrobiums, most fastened onto tree trunks, but also a few growing in the garden on rock outcrops. They all flower in time, but in nature, full baking sun encourages flowering.
I feed all of mine with Strike Back liquid for orchids every season. Some professionals, amazingly, feed weekly!
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