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DENDROBIUM fimbriatum var. oculatum

Image of Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum

James Burghardt

Family

Orchidaceae

Botanical Name

DENDROBIUM fimbriatum var. oculatum

Plant Common Name

Dendrobium, Fringe-lipped Dendrobium, Sentinel Orchid

General Description

The most commonly cultivated form of Dendrobium fimbriatum, variety oculata is distinguished by its maroon-blotched floral lip. This long-stemmed, semi-deciduous orchid is native to humid temperate upland forests from India to Vietnam. An epiphyte, it typically grows on tree trunks and rock ledges in the wild.

This frost-tender perennial bears leathery, lance-shaped leaves on long, erect to arching, spindle-shaped stems. Yellow to orange blooms with fringed, darker-hued lips appear in drooping, 6- to 15-flowered clusters from late winter to late spring. The lip has two maroon-brown blotches at its center. The flowers are very fragrant. Sporadic rebloom may occur.

Fringed dendrobium requires partial shade, mild summers, and relatively cool, dry winters. Plant it in a hanging basket or wall plaque in a coarse, highly organic potting mix, or fix it to a tree limb. Water freely from spring to fall, and sparingly in winter. It makes an excellent subject for cool greenhouses and frost-free gardens, combining well with bromeliads and other orchids.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    11 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    24

  • Plant Type

    Epiphyte

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    18"-48" / 45.7cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Late Winter, Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, India, Nepal, China

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Orange, Brown

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No