Plant of the Month: September 2026

Title image above is copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos

First published 1st September 2026

Family: Orchidaceae (the orchid family)
Genus: Dendrobium (includes mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids)

Botanical/Binomial Name: Dendrobium speciosum
Meaning of Name:
Dendrobium, from Ancient Greek δένδρον (dendros, ‘tree’) + βίος (bíos, ‘life’): a reference to the epiphytic habit; and
speciosum, from Latin speciōsum (‘handsome, beautiful, showy’)

Common Names: Sydney rock orchid, Rock orchid, cane orchid

Botanical Characteristics: Herbaceous | Perennial | Evergreen | Frost sensitive
Propagation: Division

Plant Description:
The Sydney rock orchid is a lithophytic plant, meaning it grows on rocks, but it is equally at home in a well-draining pot.

The very showy flower spikes appear in late winter through to mid spring.

Growing Information:
Dendrobium speciosum is a tough and hardy orchid outdoors in temperate climates with mild winters. it is best kept indoors away from frosts, as while it will survive one, the exposure can set it back years.

This orchid thrives in full sun and can be watered year-round, but needs a well-draining environment as indicated by its natural growth across rocks.

Regular fertilising will help this species grow the very large pseudobulbs it is known for.