Pink Rock Orchid
dendrobium kingianum
Also known as: ["Pink Rock Orchid","King's Rock Orchid"]
Overview
An epiphytic orchid native to eastern Australia, known for its pink to lilac flowers and robust growth habit.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Dendrobium |
| Botanical Name: | Dendrobium kingianum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor or sheltered outdoor location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days when humidity is below 50%
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Orchid bark mix with perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when pseudobulbs die back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter and dappled shade in summer to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak summer hours; move indoors if outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Morning sun is best; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging; adjust frequency based on season and growth phase.
Soil
well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite
pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5).
Use orchid-specific mix; avoid heavy potting soils; ensure water runs freely through the pot.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–80°F (15–27°C); cooler nights (55–65°F) promote flowering; tolerate brief dips to 40°F (4°C) if dry.
Keep away from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; cooler nights encourage blooms.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to avoid burn; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Division of pseudobulbs; occasionally by seed (labor-intensive).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into 3–4 pseudobulb sections.
- Ensure each has roots.
- Pot separately in fresh medium.
Best Time: After flowering, when new growth begins in spring.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (60–80%), bright indirect light.
Medium
Fine orchid bark mix or sphagnum moss with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seed: 1–2 years to flowering.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, sterilized pots, orchid mix.
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions have roots; keep humidity high post-division; avoid overwatering new plants.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead pseudobulbs at the base; trim spent flower spikes.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged pseudobulbs to encourage new growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead parts; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove old medium; trim dead roots; repot in fresh orchid mix with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when medium decomposes; essential for healthy root growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh medium; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting leaves to minimize fungal risk; ensure excess water drains away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during active growth in spring/summer.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to orchid mix; ensure pots have ample drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause root damage if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry before cold exposure; provide a heat source if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; reduced flowering; increased water demand.
Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth; cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest the roots or bulbs of Dendrobium kingianum. The plant is not considered highly toxic to cats, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dendrobium kingianum roots and bulbs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic, but consumption may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDendrobium kingianum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The roots and bulbs are the most concentrated sources of these compounds, which can irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Dendrobium kingianum?
A: Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically every 7-10 days depending on conditions.
Q: Does Dendrobium kingianum require special lighting?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to other epiphytic orchids.
Q: Can Dendrobium kingianum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with adequate light and proper humidity levels.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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