Dendrobium lichenastrum (Common Button Orchid) - Australian Native with Yellow and Maroon Flowers

Dendrobium lichenastrum (Common Button Orchid) - Australian Native with Yellow and Maroon Flowers

Dendrobium lichenastrum, also known as the Common Button Orchid, is a captivating orchid native to Australia. It is prized for its unique yellow and maroon flowers, which often emit a pleasant fragrance.

Distinctive Features

• Growth Habit: This versatile orchid can grow both epiphytically (on trees) and lithophytically (on rocks). It has succulent, cylindrical pseudobulbs that produce short, thick roots. The pseudobulbs give rise to fleshy, dark green leaves that are often tinged with purple.
• Flowers: Dendrobium lichenastrum produces clusters of small, yellow flowers with maroon to dark orange stripes. The flowers typically measure around 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter and have a long, slender spur. The lip of the flower is often fringed and adorned with yellow or orange markings. The flowers typically appear in spring and summer.
• Easy Care: This orchid is known for its ease of care, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice growers.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
• Water: Water regularly, keeping the potting media moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter months.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly or using a humidity tray.
• Temperature: This orchid prefers intermediate to warm temperatures, ideally between 18-28°C (64-82°F) during the day and 13-18°C (55-64°F) at night.
• Potting Media: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, such as bark or a mixture of bark and sphagnum moss. You can also grow it mounted on cork bark or tree fern fibre.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise weakly, every other week during the growing season (spring-summer) with a balanced orchid fertiliser.
• Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Additional Notes

• Dendrobium lichenastrum is a relatively easy orchid to care for, making it suitable for beginners.
• Its unique yellow and maroon flowers and versatile growth habit make it a charming addition to any orchid collection.
• This orchid can be grown in pots, baskets, or mounted on cork bark.
• With proper care, Dendrobium lichenastrum can bloom reliably for many years.