Dockrillia fuliginosa

Dockrillia fuliginosa is a species closely related to Dendrobium, native to Papua New Guinea. The sympodial growths grow pendantly and are spaced about two inches apart and have narrow terete leaves about six inches long. The dark-colored flowers are 3cm (1.25") across, face downward and mostly closed, and have a pleasant spicey fragrance.

I have it growing on a block of tree fern where the base of the plant has a vigorous root system. I grow it in intermediate conditions in about 2000fc of light, watered several times per week. My plant blooms every few months on recent growths and occasionally several times from older growths. The flowers in these photos are the second blooming from the same growth.

 

I've only had this plant for about two years. Total size right now from the top of the tree fern block to the tip of the lowest leaf is about sixteen inches. I've seen a number of other pendant Dockrilla species at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate and they grow as long as you want them to. SBOE pots their big plants in hanging baskets and allows them to fill-in and drape over the sides.

 

Thanks all, glad you liked it.

I believe I got this one from Carolina Orchids (Tom Nasser). He buys up old orchid collections and sells them off at shows. Quite regularly he comes up with some pretty interesting things. Tom's personality rubs some people the wrong way, but I like him and I think he's hilarious, and I've yet to buy something from him that didn't do just great for me.