Dendrobium Ruppiosum is the natural hybrid of the Australian species Dendrobium speciosum and Dendrobium jonesii. As you can see from the flowers below, the influence of both parents is notably present. Also similar to Dendrobium jonesii, it is relatively slow growing (compared to Dendrobium speciosum, that is). Our two plants produce one cane every year or two.
I am not certain if this orchid is a natural, wild-collected hybrid, but the possibility is strong. Paul Gripp received a piece while traveling many, many years ago on a collecting trip to Australia. I have never seen it offered for sale elsewhere, or in any other collection than Santa Barbara Orchid Estate.
We grow this orchid outdoors year-round in a shadehouse attached to the southeastern side of our house with our other Dendrobium speciosum. It blooms later in spring than Dendrobium speciosum, with full bloom in April. The name originates from the former nomenclature of Dendrobium jonesii (ruppianum).
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My vision to create orchid portraits emerged from my appreciation for the “whole orchid.” So many photographs of orchids focus only on the flower. But orchids are not flowers: they are entire plants and living beings. Connect more deeply with the many dimensions of orchids …
