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Mauve Butterfly Orchid Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Dendrobium phalaenopsis
Phonetic Spelling
den-DROH-bee-um by-GIB-bum var. su-PUR-bum
Description

Cooktown orchid is an herbaceous perennial epiphyte native to Queensland, Australia, and New Guinea in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It can be found growing in lower elevations in bright light tropical conditions. This subspecies is found in the Cooktown area hence the common name.

Use this plant in a pot with a potting mix appropriate for orchids. Provide bright indirect light and humidity with good air circulation. Direct morning sunlight can be beneficial to promote flowering if the plant is slow to flower. Young plants may be slow to flower. During the active growing season keep the potting medium moist and fertilize with a balanced liquid product, such as 10-10-10 or a special orchid fertilizer, every 4 to 6 weeks. The plant needs a winter rest period, at which time fertilizer is not required and water should be reduced.

This orchid grows from a pseudobulb and produces large leathery leaves. It can flower anytime during the growing season with long arching stems with 2 to 12 long-lasting upward-facing mauve blooms. The wild-type variety is rarely cultivated, but there are hundreds of hybrids derived from it that are commonly sold in nurseries, grocery stores, big box stores and florists. The hybrids have flowers in various shades of pink, purple, mauve, white or a combination of these colors.

This plant is used as a house plant in our area. It can be placed outdoors during the summer but avoid direct sunlight.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Spider mites can occur

 

 

More information on Dendrobium.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#tropical herbaceous perennial#long-lasting flowers#orchid#long bloom time#cutting garden#humidity tolerant#tropical#patio#epiphyte
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#tropical herbaceous perennial#long-lasting flowers#orchid#long bloom time#cutting garden#humidity tolerant#tropical#patio#epiphyte
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dendrobium
    Species:
    bigibbum
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    tropical Australia.
    Distribution:
    Cultivated worldwide.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Upward facing 1-3 inc orchid blooms are pinkish purple with a darker center.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Rubbery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leathery green leaves are 4-6 inches long and 1-1.5 inches wide. They taper at each end giving it an egg-shape. Produces 3-12 leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Purplish stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Heat
    Humidity