Dendrobium wassellii (Syn. Dockrillia)

Dendrobium wassellii, also known by the synonym Dockrillia wassellii, is an Australian native orchid with narrow, fleshy growths marked by deep longitudinal grooves. Its unusual foliage gives the plant a strong architectural appearance even when it is not flowering.

This species develops into spreading or pendant clumps and is well suited to mounts, open baskets or small containers with very coarse media. Mature plants produce clusters of pale flowers from established growths.

These are large, established sections with at least 15 growths or pseudobulbs per plant. The exact shape and arrangement of each section will vary naturally.

Care

• Light: Provide bright, filtered light. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, particularly during hot weather.
• Water: Water regularly during active growth, allowing the roots and media to begin drying between waterings.
• Winter: Reduce watering during cooler weather, but do not leave the plant completely dry for extended periods.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity with strong air movement.
• Media: Best mounted or grown in an open basket or small container with coarse bark and minimal moisture-retentive material.
• Temperature: Best suited to warm to intermediate conditions. Protect from frost and prolonged cold.
• Fertiliser: Apply a weak orchid fertiliser regularly during active growth.
• Repotting: Disturb only when necessary. Allow the plant time to re-establish after mounting or repotting.

Key Characteristics

• Plant type: Australian epiphytic or lithophytic orchid
• Growth habit: Spreading to pendant, gradually forming dense clumps
• Foliage: Narrow, fleshy growths with pronounced longitudinal grooves
• Flowers: Pale flowers produced in clusters from mature growths
• Best presentation: Mount, open basket or small coarse-media pot
• Supplied plant: Large section with at least 15 growths or pseudobulbs
• Synonym: Dockrillia wassellii