bottlebrush orchid

Also known as: Information to be completed

A medium to large-sized, epiphytic orchid with upright, cane-like stems (pseudobulbs) up to 80cm long. The stems are covered with thin, alternate, leaf-bearing sheaths. Semi-deciduous leaves are thin, lance-shaped, approximately 15cm long. Short flowering stems emerge from leafed of leafless mature canes and carry many, densely arranged flowers. The upside-down flowers are fleshy, 1.5-2cm long, tubular, with pale pink or purple spur and contrasting dark green tip.

Scientific classification

Species: bottlebrush orchid (Dendrobium smillieae)
Genus: Dendrobium
Family: Orchidaceae

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Semi evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming · Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

bottlebrush orchid pictures

Distribution of bottlebrush orchid

Distribution map

Plant distribution

Native
Introduced
Cultivated

Source：WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries：WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of bottlebrush orchid

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bottlebrush orchid care guide

Keep medium lightly moist with excellent aeration
Watering: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep medium lightly moist with excellent aeration

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every few weeks in growth

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 enough, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in 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.

Growing

Grow 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 bright light conditions throughout the year. The average temperatures are 25-30°C during day and 16-20°C at night time, with an amplitude of 8-10°C between day and night. Plant requires frequent watering and relatively high humidity during spring and summer months and a slightly drier conditions in winter - reduce watering and feeding in October, but do not leave plant dry for long period of time. See indoor orchid cultivation

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