Welcome to the fragrant, colourful world of Australian Indigenous orchids.

In the wild most grow as either Epiphytes (growing on the outside of other trees and shrubs on their bark) or as Lithophytes (growing on wet cliff faces and boulders). In most cases the roots of the orchids are covered with the ferns and mosses that also inhabit these spots so they rarely if ever dry out completely. These same ferns and mosses also add plenty of humidity to the air around the orchids, so a damp airy atmosphere is the most suited (bright, fernery conditions). The locations in the wild where they occur are usually quite bright as few other plants grow under the same conditions. Australian epiphytic orchids enjoy bright but definitely not hot positions. A gentle shadow should be seen when placing your hand over the top of the plant. Dark wet conditions will allow rots to occur and blooms to become spotty with fungal infections.

Through the hybridisation of the 20 or so wild species, thousands of colour and size combinations have been produced and these are our specialty. Our Dendrobiums vary from less than $5 up to $3000.00 and every colour except true reds and blues are available.

So where to grow them?
I recommend a special orchid growing house that has shade cloth sides to allow ventilation and also keep out the bugs, and a hard clear plastic roof to stop drenching winter rains spoiling the blooms and drowning the roots.

If this is a bit grandiose, then on a veranda or pergola facing north to enjoy the winter sun. Native orchids enjoy winter sun but would prefer more shade in the warmer months. Under the eaves of the north side of the house is also a suitable location. Remember though to keep them off the soil or worms will enter and destroy the specially formulated orchid compost.

How often to water?
Basically just keep them moist all year , although they will enjoy a dry spell in mid winter when the buds are forming for spring. If in pots, check the drain holes to see if damp, you will soon learn how often to water. It may be daily in summer but only fortnightly in winter.

Should I feed my natives?
If you can be bothered try applying liquid fertilisers mixed in a watering can and simply pour it over the top of the plant foliage and all. One gram of most fertilisers per litre of water fortnightly in spring and summer will give results.Usually one gram of most fertilisers per litre of water fortnightly in spring and summer will give your orchid a kick along. Be careful though to not apply too much Nitrogen after February as you will retard the blooming with too much growth.We use and recommend 'Peter's Excel Hi K '

When to repot?
I recommend you repot only when the plant is ready to split the plastic pot! Pot bound native orchids bloom prolifically. If you have to repot or you wish to divide then October is the most suitable time.

Should I divide the native?
Basically no. Only divide it if a friend has been annoying you for a division or you wish to make a little pocket money by selling your excess plants.Simply split the plant into halves,quarters or minimum 5 cane pieces. Kingianum style hybrids and kingianum itself can be divided down to single canes (Be careful)

What to pot into?
I recommend chipped pine bark that has been professionally composted or aged, preferably also laced with Dolomite lime. Each capital city has it’s own supplier. In Victoria I recommend Debco 5-10mm bark straight.

More and more people are now using coconut husk chop, as it is more freely available and postable. Simply soak the husk ,flush it, and it is ready for use.Blended with other ingredients such as bark charcoal and certain rocks, it makes a great alternative.

How much light do they require?
Native dendrobiums require bright conditions to flower well. If they are grown too dark they will produce lush soft canes prone to disease and will not bloom well ,if at all. This is the main reason for natives not to flower. Bright, straight winter sun will encourage your dendrobiums to bloom well in spring. In summer provide all the shade you can to stop the leaves scolding and becoming lemon in colour. And for spring and Autumn somewhere in between.

What temperature should I grow them at?
These orchids are most suited to the cooler regions of Australia and temperate regions worldwide.They will tolerate 0°c  to 44°c but thrive between 10°c to 32°c. They will require and swing in temperature to initiate blooming though.

Where can I obtain more or different natives?
Mail order is a simple option with the plants being delivered straight to your door. Ebay also often has hundreds of plants from a variety of sellers, and we sell a wide range (simply search for AON). Catalogues from various native nurseries are dispatched at least annually and once you are an active customer you should receive catalogues annually.