Also known as Butterfly Dendrobium · Two-Humped Dendrobium
Dendrobium bigibbum, the Cooktown Orchid, is a beautiful orchid native to Queensland, Australia, known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is almost dry, allowing for good drainage.
Orchid bark mix
50% intensity
Warm to Intermediate
75% intensity
Thrives in daytime temperatures of 20-29°C and nighttime temperatures of 13-18°C, with a slight drop to encourage blooming.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season, reducing in cooler months.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is almost dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler, dormant period to encourage flowering.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, especially after watering.
Remove spent flower spikes at the base once blooming has finished. Cut away any yellow, brown, or dead leaves or pseudobulbs.
Pruning helps maintain the plant's health and redirects energy towards new growth and future blooms. Sterilize cutting tools.
Propagation is typically done by division of mature pseudobulbs during repotting. Gently separate the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has at least two or three healthy growths.
Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a day before repotting.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium has broken down. This is best done in spring after flowering. Use a well-draining orchid mix.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess moisture retention.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum)
Where Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Dendrobium |
| Species | Dendrobium bigibbum |
Similar in genus Dendrobium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
