Dockrillia orchid is found the most in Australia and some in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Timor, Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. They are distinguished from Dendrobiums in part by their lack of a pseudobulb, single fleshy leaf and pollination by native bees.
Dockrillia orchid is a genus of the Orchidaceae family. This genus is named after Alick Dockrill. In 1981 Friedrich Gustav Brieger reclassified all terete-leaved dendrobiums from Australia and New Guinea into this genus.
IDENTIFY DOCKRILLIA ORCHID PLANT
Dockrillia orchid is found the most in Australia and some in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Timor, Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. They are distinguished from Dendrobiums in part by their lack of a pseudobulb, single fleshy leaf and pollination by native bees.
The species included were those that combined the following features: epiphytic or lithophytic plants, lack of pseudobulbs; a single fleshy leaf on the end of a short stem; a flowering stem emerging from the base of a leaf; and a labellum with three lobes.
Recently the Dockrillia have been crossed with the New Guinea species to produce purple colored flowers. Dockrillia also crosses with Dendrobiums to give Dockrilobium.
DOCKRILLIA ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Dockrillia orchid prefer strong light and so should be grown under 40% shade cloth over summer but will take full sun in winter. Some species will grow in quite heavy shade.
Temperature:
Most plants of this genus are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but should be protected from frost, particularly those from tropical areas. They tolerate temperatures of 1-40°C but prefer milder conditions in a shade house. In very cold areas (<0°C) they may require a glasshouse in winter but growing against a brick wall will provide sufficient shelter.
Humidity and watering:
Regular watering is required during the growing season. They prefer a drier winter period to promote flowering in the spring. They need to be well drained. Plants grown on slabs need to be watered every 2-3 days in hot weather. They need to be protected from excessive winter rain in southern areas. Medium humidity levels and good air movement suit these plants best.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Dockrillia orchid should be divided and repotted or placed on a new slab in late winter as new roots begin to grow. The larger growing species do well mounted on slabs of tree fern or cork. Those that clump can be grown in small pots or baskets in a bark-based medium. Creeping types must be grown on a slab. They all have a vigorous root system that prefers not to be disturbed.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizers are generally not required as they grow in nutrient deficient environments however very dilute fertilizer can be applied to promote better flowering. You can also use half strength general orchid feed applied weekly during the growing season and feed less frequently during the winter.
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