Dendrobium wassellii

Dendrobium wassellii is a striking orchid species native to Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, Australia. First described by Stanley Thatcher Blake in 1963, it is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid featuring branched stems, cylindrical furrowed leaves, and flowering stems bearing up to 60 crowded white flowers with a vibrant yellow labellum.

Features:

• Growth Habit: This epiphytic or lithophytic orchid features creeping, branching stems approximately 4–5 mm thick. Each branch ends with one or two cylindrical, furrowed leaves measuring 5–12 mm long and about 1 mm wide.

• Flowers: The plant produces sprays of 10 to 60 white, spidery flowers, each 14–18 mm long and 15–20 mm wide. The labellum is yellow with purple markings, and the flowers are fragrant.

• Blooming Season: Typically flowers from May to June.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, excessive shade may hinder flowering.

• Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in warm to intermediate temperatures (65°F–85°F or 18°C–30°C) with moderate humidity (50–70%). Good airflow is essential to prevent fungal issues.

• Watering: During active growth (spring and summer), water regularly, allowing slight drying between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to mimic its natural dry season, encouraging flowering.

• Rest Period: In winter, the amount of water should be reduced by keeping the plants dry, but Dockrillia wassellii cannot stay dry for too long. Fertilization should be reduced or eliminated until new growths appear in the spring.

• Mounting & Potting: Best grown mounted on cork, tree fern, or rock to accommodate its rambling growth habit. If potted, use a well-draining bark mix with perlite or sphagnum moss for moisture retention.