Dendrobium smillieae, also known as the “bottlebrush orchid”, is an unusual species found in New Guinea and parts of tropical north Australia growing on tree limbs, trunks, and on rocks in lowland open forests near the edge of rainforests at elevations under 2,000 feet [600 m]. It is a large sized, hot to warm growing epiphyte with up to 31.5-inch [80 cm] long pseudobulbs (also called canes) carrying 6 – 7 inch [15 – 18 cm] long leaves. It blooms in the winter and spring on a densely, many flowered (100 or more) raceme that arises from near the apex of the leafless canes, carrying stiff, thick, waxy and fleshy, tubular flowers held in a ball.
The clone ‘Lea’ is one of the best clones of this species and was awarded a Judges’ Commendation (JC) by the American Orchid Society (AOS), given for distinctive characteristics. ‘Lea’ was the clonal name used by the world renowned Orchid Center (Waianae, Hawaii), reserved for their best. The late Richard Takafuji, owner of the Orchid Center, was a preeminent hybridizer and promoter of orchids. Den. smillieae ‘Lea’ is known for its more compact growth and extremely large flowers for the species. It was once widely available in the 1990s but rarely seen in the market now. We are proud to reintroduce this rare, fine clone of this remarkable species, which imported from our friend in Japan.
Den. smillieae requires warm temperatures and ample water throughout the growing season. A cool dry rest in the winter will promote the best flowering. It is a very temperature tolerant species to grow, tolerant of hot temperatures in summer and cool temperatures in winter. Can be grown outdoors in areas like South Florida where winters are dry, cool, and frost free. Colorful, waxy flowers last for months. Canes are deciduous so it is normal for the leaves to turn yellow and fall off in the fall. A slight winter rest from water and fertilizer should be given until new growth emerges in the spring. Highly recommended.
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