Dendrobium x superbiens is the primary hybrid of Dendrobium bigibbum and Dendrobium discolor — a combination well reflected in the magenta pink color and twisting petals and sepals. This particular orchid is a division of an old plant of Dendrobium x superbiens, from the 1970s or 1980s, and believed to be wild-collected. Both parent species are native to northeastern Australia (Queensland) and Dendrobium discolor extends its range into New Guinea. Both parents are large orchids, as reflected in this primary hybrid: the canes are over 3 feet (1m) tall.
We grow our Dendrobium x superbiens outside with our Cymbidium for summer, and bring the orchid inside when temperatures drop below 50F (10C), for a winter vacation in a southeastern window. High light for the summer (4000+fc), and then a notable transition in environment rapidly encouraged six bloom spikes in the autumn when these photos were made.
Interested in more unique and beautiful orchid images?
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 …
