Spring King Orchid Care

History

• After a revision to its taxonomic group the Dendrobium speciosum has been renamed to Thelychiton speciosus. Thelychiton comes from Greek "thely" meaning female and "chiton" meaning covered (the latter because the stigmatic surface is covered). Speciosus means beautiful. The plant typically grows in rocky coastal areas of Australia and in the forests of New South Wales and New Guinea.

Features

• The King Orchid grows to a height of approximately one and a half feet. It produces flowers two inches wide. Typically the flowers are a creamy white, but there are many varieties that produce flowers from pale to bright yellow. In some varieties, such as the capricornicum, the flowers also display a red streak. One plant will produce dozens of clustered flowers.

Care

• Plant in a location that receives partial sun or medium light. The King Orchid is epiphytic, which means it usually grows on another plant but is not parasitic. It gathers nutrients from the air and rain. Provide adequate drainage by planting in rocky locations, on bark or in hanging baskets with sphagnum moss and orchid bark. Water regularly during the growing season (spring through fall). Fertilize only during growing season. Do not move plant once flowering. Reduce watering during winter months.

Considerations

• King Orchids require regular attention as they can be sensitive to either over or under watering. Novice orchid growers may want to begin with a more forgiving species until more familiar with the needs of orchids.

Benefits

• When tended to properly, the King Orchid will delight the gardener with an abundant flowering season and full flower stalks. The Dendrobium speciosum fills areas that may be difficult to garden in (rocky spots with little soil) with a vibrant flowering plant. The King Orchid will also help you to get rid of your fallen leaves as they thrive on decomposing leaf litter.