Dendrobium pugioniforme (Syn. Dockrillia pugioniformis)

Dendrobium pugioniforme (Syn. Dockrillia pugioniformis), the Dagger Orchid, is an Australian native epiphyte with fleshy, sharply pointed leaves and small, vanilla-scented spring flowers. Its pendulous, branching stems build into a cascading mass over successive seasons, which suits it to a mount or basket. Dockrillia pugioniformis is the name used by Australian growers.

About this plant

This species is endemic to the humid forests and rocky gorges of eastern Australia, from the Bunya Mountains in south-east Queensland south to Tathra in New South Wales. Unlike the terete-leafed pencil orchids, it carries fleshy leaves with sharply pointed tips, the dagger shape that gives it its common name.

• Flowering: Spring, typically September to November. Flowers are produced in ones or twos from short stems near the leaf base, and are pleasantly vanilla-scented.
• Flowers: Pale green to yellowish with fine brown striations at the base and a white labellum marked with purple. Small but well formed.
• Plant: Pendulous, branching stems with fleshy dagger-shaped leaves, building into a cascading specimen over time.

Growing conditions

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate, 5°C to 26°C. Cool nights are needed. It prefers good airflow and tolerates a drier winter rest, and suits outdoor growing in southern Australia.
• Humidity: 60% or higher.
• Light: Bright filtered light. Avoid harsh direct sun.
• Water: Water regularly in spring and summer. Reduce significantly in autumn and winter, as a dry rest promotes flowering.
• Mounting: Best grown mounted on cork or hardwood, or in a basket to accommodate the pendulous habit. Undisturbed plants establish well and build into specimens over successive seasons.
• Feeding: Light feeding with dilute balanced fertiliser through the growing season. Cease in autumn.

What you'll receive

A flowering size, established division of Dendrobium pugioniforme. It is packed carefully to protect stems and roots in transit and ships from the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.