Dendrobium Anthedon 'Star' × brevicauda 'GD' (Syn. Dockrillia)

This is a seedling of an unregistered Dockrillia (Dendrobium) cross between the floriferous hybrid Anthedon 'Star' and Dockrillia brevicauda 'GD', a rare Queensland highland species. It suits growers who enjoy terete-leaved orchids and are curious to see what an uncommon pairing produces.

About the cross

The two parents have quite different characters. Anthedon 'Star' is a cultivar of the registered RHS hybrid Dockrillia Anthedon (Dockrillia bowmanii × Dockrillia cucumerina), a cross known for its floriferousness and well-presented flowers with terete foliage.

The pollen parent, Dockrillia brevicauda 'GD', is a rare Queensland highland species from the rainforests of the far north. It is a slender, pendulous plant found at altitude near Cooktown. This clone was selected by George Dimos and brings species-level genetics into the cross.

Pairing a floriferous, compact hybrid with a distinctive rainforest species tends to give unpredictable but often interesting results. Flower colour, shape and size will vary across the batch. The cross has not been registered as a named grex. It is sometimes listed in the Australian trade as Dockrillia Anthedon Magic, but that name correctly applies to a slightly different parentage.

Growing conditions

• Mounting: best grown mounted or in a basket with good airflow. The spikes are cascading.
• Light: bright filtered light.
• Temperature: 5°C to 26°C. Cool nights are required.
• Humidity: 60% or higher.
• Climate: cool to intermediate.

What you'll receive

Established seedlings in 66mm pots, grown in the Dandenong Ranges. They are not yet at flowering size and have not flowered. Individual results will vary. That is the nature of a seedling cross and part of what makes it worthwhile.