Dockrillia rigida

Dockrillia rigida, previously known as Dendrobium rigidum, is a miniature orchid native to tropical regions of northeastern Queensland, Australia, and parts of New Guinea. This species thrives in coastal mangroves, rainforests, and paperbark swamps, typically at elevations ranging from sea level up to 700 meters.

Features:

• Size: Miniature epiphyte reaching 15–40 cm in height.

• Stems: Wiry, pendulous, 1–3 cm long, yellowing with age.

• Leaves: Single, fleshy, ovate to obovate, 2–6 cm long, dark green with reddish tints, thick and smooth.

• Inflorescence: Axillary raceme, 10–30 mm long, emerging from near the leaf base, with 1–6 flowers.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, filtered light; 50% shading is recommended.

• Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions; daytime temperatures of 31–32°C and nighttime temperatures of 24°C in summer, and 26–28°C daytime and 19–21°C nighttime in winter.

• Humidity: Requires 70–75% humidity for most of the year, dropping to 65–70% at the end of winter and spring.

• Watering: Water heavily from spring through fall, then reduce watering for a drier winter period.

• Mounting: Best grown mounted on cork, tree fern, or hard, rough rootstock with high humidity and strong air movement. Avoid pots, as the plant dislikes "wet feet" and must dry out between waterings.

• Fertilization: Apply a low-nitrogen orchid fertilizer during the growing season. Reduce fertilization during the rest period in winter.