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Pink rock orchid (Dendrobium kingianum)

Dendrobium kingianum is an evergreen perennial orchid with fleshy pseudobulbs. Sources differ on its habit: it is mainly lithophytic in nature, may occasionally grow on trees, and is only rarely terrestrial.

LightDendrobium kingianum prefers high light. Sources differ in describing suitable exposure, ranging from partial sun to warm, sunny positions; Japanese cultivation information reports that direct sun is acceptable outside m
WaterDuring spring and summer growth, water as the medium begins to dry and maintain higher ambient humidity; reduce watering in winter. Let it dry between waterings; a dry dormancy period helps promote flowering, and the med
TemperatureAn RHS hardiness classification is reported for this plant. It is generally considered a cool to intermediate plant.
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Pink rock orchid illustration

Overview

Dendrobium kingianum is an evergreen perennial orchid with fleshy pseudobulbs. Sources differ on its habit: it is mainly lithophytic in nature, may occasionally grow on trees, and is only rarely terrestrial.

Origin and habitat

It is reported to be native to eastern Australia, in New South Wales and Queensland, with more detailed records extending from the Hunter River area to the Rockhampton area along the coast and nearby mountains. It is reported to grow mainly on boulders, in rock crevices, and on rock faces in forests or open woodland, as well as near forest streams; it is usually lithophytic and occasionally grows on tree trunks. It is reported to be adapted to the drier winters of Australia's east coast, while favoring higher humidity during growth; its fleshy pseudobulbs store water, and its roots cope with rapid changes between wet and dry conditions on rock surfaces.

Characteristics

Reported mature height and spread are each about 10–50 cm, although sources are few. Leaves are concentrated on the upper part or near the tip of the pseudobulbs; they are green and range in shape from narrowly ovate to oblong-lanceolate, while sources describe their texture as either thin and smooth or firmer and leathery. The fragrant flowers are borne in racemes and are mainly pink to reddish purple, but may also be white, deep purple, or intermediate in color; the lip typically has dark purple or reddish-purple veins or spots. Sources differ on flowering timing; in its native range, flowering is mainly from late winter through spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and climatic conditions can shift the flowering period earlier or later.

Light

Dendrobium kingianum prefers high light. Sources differ in describing suitable exposure, ranging from partial sun to warm, sunny positions; Japanese cultivation information reports that direct sun is acceptable outside midsummer and that insufficient light may encourage keiki formation.

Watering

During spring and summer growth, water as the medium begins to dry and maintain higher ambient humidity; reduce watering in winter. Let it dry between waterings; a dry dormancy period helps promote flowering, and the medium should drain quickly.

Temperature and dormancy

An RHS hardiness classification is reported for this plant. It is generally considered a cool to intermediate plant.

Growing medium and mounting

Dendrobium kingianum is lithophytic and has a preference for bark. Sources differ on growing methods, but describe an open, fast-draining medium, mounting on bark or rock, or cultivation in materials such as coarse bark and river stones.

Feeding

It is reported to benefit from regular feeding during growth.

Propagation

It is reported to be propagated by division or by keikis.

Common problems

It is reported to be susceptible to aphids, greenhouse red spider mites, and mealybugs, while the RHS reports that disease problems are generally uncommon. Insufficient light may encourage keiki formation, while the absence of a cooler or drier winter rest period may reduce flowering performance. It is reported to tolerate both heat and cold to some extent and to be adapted to the drier winters of its native range; Japanese information reports that it can be grown outdoors year-round in warmer areas but does not specify its temperature tolerance limits.

Identification

Dendrobium kingianum has clustered, upright or angled fleshy pseudobulbs that are broader at the base and taper toward the tip, with leaves concentrated on their upper parts. It can form large colonies on rocks and bears small, fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers.

Photos

Dendrobium kingianum
📷 sunoochi from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan · CC BY 2.0 · source

Sources