Dendrobium linguiforme
tongue orchid
Overview
Dendrobium linguiforme is a mat-forming epiphytic and lithophytic orchid with creeping rhizomes that attach to tree trunks and rock faces. The thick, fleshy leaves are tongue-shaped, 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) long and 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) wide, with grooved upper surfaces, pressed close to the substrate. From late winter into spring, slender racemes 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long rise from the rhizome, each carrying 5-20 white flowers about 0.6-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) across with narrow, twisted petals and sepals. Flowers last 1-2 weeks and carry a faint scent. The plant spreads laterally to form colonies up to 24 inches (60 cm) wide over many years, while individual leaves stand only 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) above the surface. Growth is slow, with a few new leaves added each year. The fleshy leaves store water, letting the plant withstand dry spells on exposed rock, but prolonged shade reduces flowering and constant moisture at the roots causes rot.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from northern Queensland south to southern New South Wales. Grows as an epiphyte on rough-barked trees and as a lithophyte on sandstone and granite outcrops, from coastal forests to rocky ranges, in humid, frequently exposed positions.Suggested Uses
Grown mounted on cork, hardwood, or tree-fern slabs for display in shade houses, on verandahs, and in greenhouses. Suits established garden trees with rough bark in frost-free, humid climates. Also kept in shallow containers of coarse, free-draining mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows mounted on bark, hardwood slabs, or rock, or in very open, free-draining orchid mix, in bright filtered light. Water two to three times weekly during the warm growing season and reduce watering in winter, letting the mount dry between waterings. Constant root moisture causes rot, while the fleshy leaves carry the plant through short dry periods. Frost-tender below about 36°F (2°C); in cool climates it is grown in a greenhouse or moved indoors for winter. Dilute orchid fertiliser is applied during active growth in spring and summer. Scale insects and mealybugs occur on leaves and rhizomes in still, humid air.Pruning
No pruning is required. Dead leaves and spent flower stems are cut at the base to limit hiding places for scale insects. Congested mats are divided in spring by cutting the rhizome into sections, each with several leaves and active roots.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons