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Because of their enormous popularity, Australian orchids have a multitude of registered hybrids - They even have an organisation dedicated to them!

And while they can be tricky, you don't have to be an expert to grow beautiful orchids in your backyard! Read on to discover our tips and tricks on how to keep your orchids happy, healthy and thriving.

Where to grow native orchids

We’re going to assume you don’t own a greenhouse or a cold room, in which case it’s best to grow orchids that suit your region! Some orchids, such as the Cymbidium, only grow in tropical environments, while the cooler climate varieties hate the heat. In general, orchids grow around the coastline and prefer shady, consistent, humid conditions.

Known for being a fussy plant, the work in maintaining orchids is worth the reward! They generally need bright light and good ventilation to grow well, and thrive in crowded pots but will suffer in strong wind, when exposed to too much rain or in frosty conditions. Because of this, many orchid growers protect their plants from the harsh elements using shade cloth and roofing. If you're lucky enough to have a large backyard with trees and a variety of plants, you may be able to grow your orchid within your garden bed where it is protected by surrounding plants, or opt for a Epiphyte variety which can grow attached to a tree (we'll explain more about these later!). 

If you think you're up for the challenge, simply pick a protected spot on your pergola or verandah, grab a good pot with a drainage hole (or pick a good tree!) and choose the orchid that best suits your climate and style. If you pick the right spot and get the swing of their care, you'll have beautiful, thriving native orchids in no time!

Dendrobium orchid white Dendrobium orchid white
Dendrobium Orchid

Caring for native Australian orchids

There are two primary types of orchid in Australia: Terrestrials and Epiphytes. Each of these require different care to thrive, so before choosing, read on to see which kind will best suit you and your garden. The good news is, that many orchid species require similar care - so whether you prefer native orchids or a more exotic species, these tips should help you get started!

Terrestrial Orchids

As the name suggests, terrestrial orchids grow in the ground like many Aussie natives, and are typically deciduous. These varieties make up around 75% of our native orchid species.

Notoriously difficult for the beginner to grow, terrestrial orchids generally flower during cooler, wet periods and die down to a dormant, underground tuber or rhizome during hot, dry conditions.

If you are planning to plant a terrestrial orchid, either in a pot or in ground, some varieties are much easier to cultivate and maintain than others. If you're a beginner orchid enthusiast, we recommend the Diuris orchid (Or Donkey Orchid!) to get you going. 

Diuris Orchid (Donkey Orchid) - Image by Photographs by Gnangarra

Growing Terrestrial Orchids

Hardware stores and many bulk nurseries are notorious for selling orchids in small pots of soil, overloaded with water and sometimes even growing moss or lichen! And while they look beautiful in the store, they tend to die shortly after bringing them home. Why? Because the pots and soil they are sold in are only good short term! When you bring an orchid home, the first thing you want to do is re pot into a larger pot, with really well draining soil. Terrestrial orchid roots are very susceptible to rot - so something that won't hold water against the roots and instead allows it to drain well. 

We recommend orchid bark and peat moss combined in a 2:1 ratio, you can also add charcoal and perlite for extra drainage properties. Terracotta pots are great for orchids as they are porous and allow extra air circulation to the roots, however don't panic about this - almost any other pot will work just fine as long as it has plenty of drainage holes. 

Instead of watering normally, water your orchid about once a week or when the soil is dry. (stick your finger in and check, or use a moisture meter to be sure! the top soil may look dry, but you want it to be significantly dry before introducing more moisture). Place your orchid's entire pot into a container and fill the base container with water up to the height of the soil in your orchid's pot. Leave to soak for about 10-20 minutes (this is called bottom watering) and then remove. Don't leave your plant in the water for too long, don't water too frequently (under-watered is better than over-watered for orchids!) and try to water in the morning, which can prevent water in the pot from stagnating overnight. 

Epiphyte Orchids

Epiphytes are orchids which grow attached to the surfaces of trees or rocks. These 'tree huggers' are not parasitic or even symbiotic as you’d imagine, but have aerial roots and simply use tree branches and rocks as support structures.

These beauties grow along our eastern coastline in a narrow band from the north right down to Tasmania.

Epiphytic orchids only account for about a quarter of Australian orchids, but are by far the most popular type with gardening enthusiasts.

Dendrobiums are the most commonly grown, the most hybridised and also the top pick orchid for temperate climates.

Dendrobium Speciosum (Rock Orchid)

Growing Epiphytic Orchids

You can’t use your average potting mixes (or any soil at all for that matter!) for epiphytic orchids. Instead, gravel, pine bark chips or even charcoal – anything with good drainage – can be used as a growing medium.

If you use pine bark chips, soak them in hot water for at least 24 hours to release excess tannins before using them to propagate your orchids.

In some cases, you don’t even need to grow your plants in any medium at all. If they’re established and sturdy enough, you can just tie them right onto the trees or rock and let their aerial roots work their magic. Eventually, your orchids will root itself to the surface and hold itself there with little or no support.

Just make sure you choose trees that don’t lose a lot of bark - Alternatively, you can grow your native orchids on cork or wood slabs.

The easiest way to propagate Dendrobiums is to gently divide root clumps with your hands, keeping at least 4-5 stems in each clump.

Epiphytes require fertilising from October to April with half strength orchid fertiliser or slow release fertiliser in pellet form. They also need protection from excess water in winter when their buds are forming.

In summer they may need daily watering but in winter once every 1-2 weeks is enough. 

Look out for aphids, or plant lice, which like to eat the new flower buds. Spray your plant with an aphicide to keep the pests under control. Similarly, keep an eye out for scale and lichen; spray with summer oil or a scale control spray if you see any pop up!

Choosing an Orchid

Rock Orchid (Dendrobium Speciosa)

This type can grow in clumps as large as two metres! It has masses of white to pale yellow flowers in spring.

Despite the name, some rock orchids can grow on trees.

Pink Rock Orchid (Dendrobium Kingianum)

This is the most popular epiphyte and, thanks to hybridisation, can provide the most spectacular display of colour.

Flowers come out in late winter to spring and range from pink and white to red or purple.

Tongue Orchid (Docknillia Linguiformis)

This has white to cream flowers in spring.

It’s best grown on a cork or wood slab as it’s not suited to pots.

Dendrobium Bardo Rose

This is a popular hybrid with pink to mauve perfumed flowers in spring.

It’s easy to grow in temperate climates, and thrives on tree branches or on rocks, or potted in pine bark.

Hopefully this guide has answered some questions you have had about growing orchids - we hope we've given you the info and confidence you need to get out there and try growing some of these beauties for yourself!

Dendrobium Orchid on tree
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