Dendrobium Grumpy 'George' × schoenina 'Compact' (Syn. Dockrillia)

This is a terete (pencil-type) Dockrillia seedling, listed under Dendrobium, from a cross of Grumpy 'George' and schoenina 'Compact'. It suits growers who like pencil orchids and want to see what a strongly striated hybrid parent produces when crossed with the dark-blotched Common Pencil Orchid. Cascading flower sprays are expected.

About this cross

Grumpy 'George' is a cultivar of the registered RHS hybrid Dockrillia Grumpy (Dendrobium Aussie Phil × Dendrobium striolatum). It was selected by George Dimos and is known for large, broad-segmented flowers with strong striation.

The pollen parent, Dockrillia schoenina 'Compact', is a selected form of the Common Pencil Orchid. This terete-leafed species is native to eastern Australia, from the NSW coast to central Queensland. It typically produces yellowish-green flowers blotched with dark purple, in cascading sprays during winter and spring. The 'Compact' name signals a more restrained growth habit than the species normally shows.

The Grumpy side brings striation and the schoenina side brings its distinctive colour character. Seedlings could show a range of outcomes, but dark markings and good flower presence are reasonable expectations. Australian growers also list these plants under Dockrillia.

Growing conditions

• Light: bright filtered light
• Temperature: 5°C to 26°C, with cool nights required
• Humidity: 60% or higher
• Climate: cool to intermediate
• Culture: suited to mounting or basket culture, with good airflow and a dry winter rest

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.