Real World Gardener Dendrobium orchid in Plant of the Week

 PLANT OF THE WEEK Dendrobiums sp. Episode 1 Scientific Name:Dendrobium speciosum Common Name: Rock Orchid, Sydney Rock Orchid Native Habitat: growing on granite cliff faces or boulders. Plant type: Lithophyte Description: consisting of pseudobulbs or canes that can be up to 45cm long. Large leathery leaves than can last up to 12 years on the plant. Flowering August to September. Flowering:Arching racemes that can have up to 100 fragrant flowers per stem. Climate zone: Outdoors in tropical to temperate climates, but shadehouses in colder areas.   <a href='https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E2cqYIe7uA/X37RVUb-buI/AAAAAAAAi2A/_ZpQB58kpnQyChTKq-NkquwU1iqiOYR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-Dendrobium%2Bspeciosum.jpg'></a>   Some gardeners think that growing orchids can be a bit tricky or only for the orchid afficionado.  <p>They may have experienced one or two failures that has tainted their perception of orchids for life.  But I think, give orchids another go, because there’s ones out there that are hard to kill.  This one’s no exception.  Let’s find out what it is.  I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, native plant expert and native orchid afficionado. </p> One of the most spectacular Australian orchids and one of the easiest to grow. <ul><li>When establishing your new orchid, you can attach it with coated wire or plastic rope to a tree, or boulder in your garden.</li> </ul> Adrian has his own orchid house in his backyard where he grows about 200 different types of orchids and yes, they are all types of Australian native orchids.  Be like Adrian, and grow some yourself.  If you have any questions about Australian orchids, drop us a line to <a href='mailto:realworldgardener@gmail.com'>realworldgardener@gmail.com</a> or write to 2rrr PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675