Dendrobium tetragonum subsp. giganteum

We have two subspecies of the Australian orchid Dendrobium tetragonum and this is the larger growing and larger flowered subspecies - giganteum.

Giganteum is maybe a misnomer as plants are still quite small with pseudobulbs around 40cm long and beautiful large brightly coloured flowers produced in November and December.

The subspecies is reported native to North Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula where it is found at sea level to 700m suggesting that it would appreciate temperatures a little warmer than it we provide in our 'Cloud Forest' greenhouse (min 12C) but growing high in the roof where life is a little warmer and dryer seems to suit it very well.

New growths grow very rapidly during the early summer and we water well during this period. In the winter we keep plants much dryer especially during flowering which extends the long lasting nature of the flowers.