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
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