🇵🇬 Habitat and Ecology
​Dendrobium hodgkinsonii is a rare and visually striking epiphytic orchid endemic to the island of New Guinea (specifically recorded in Papua New Guinea, including New Britain and Bougainville). It inhabits lowland to lower montane rainforests, typically found at elevations between 300 and 600 metres. In this habitat, it enjoys a consistently warm-to-intermediate climate with high rainfall and humidity year-round, growing on tree trunks and branches where it receives dappled sunlight.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid belongs to the Section Latouria, a group known for their "fleshy" flowers and long-lasting blooms.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: The stems (pseudobulbs) are clavate to fusiform (club-shaped), narrow at the base and swollen towards the top, reaching 20-30 cm in height. They are shiny, often yellow-green, and carry 2 to 3 leathery, elliptic leaves at the very apex.
​Flowers: The inflorescence arises from the apex of the pseudobulb (between the leaves) and is erect to arching, carrying a cluster of 2 to 7 flowers. The blooms are medium-sized, approximately 4-5 cm wide.
​Aesthetics: The sepals and petals are a soft pale apple-green or creamy-yellow, pointed (acuminate), and widely spreading. The defining feature is the large, trilobed lip. The lip has broad side lobes and a pointed mid-lobe that is heavily veined with radiating purple or maroon lines against a whitish or yellow background, creating a spider-web effect. The flowers are generally not fragrant but are incredibly long-lived, often lasting for several months.
​🔬 Taxonomy and Ethnobotany
​Taxonomy: Described by Robert Allen Rolfe in 1900, it was named in honour of Dr. Hodgkinson, a British orchid enthusiast of that era. It is a member of the Section Latouria, making it a close relative of Dendrobium atroviolaceum and Dendrobium spectabile.
​Ethnobotany:
​Cultural Use: While specific ethnobotanical records for D. hodgkinsonii are limited due to its rarity, Dendrobium species in the Latouria section are collectively known in parts of Papua New Guinea as "Yellow Cane". The durable, yellow stems of related species are traditionally used by indigenous weavers as decorative yellow fibre in basketry and bilum bags, though D. hodgkinsonii itself is likely too rare for widespread utility.
​Conservation: As an island endemic with a limited range, it is of significant interest to conservationists monitoring the biodiversity of the Bismarck Archipelago.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Dendrobium hodgkinsonii requires the standard care for Latouria-type Dendrobiums: constant moisture and warmth without a hard dry rest.
​Light: Requires bright, filtered light (20,000-35,000 lux). It can tolerate slightly higher light levels than Phalaenopsis, similar to Cattleya. If the leaves turn a reddish-purple, it is receiving the maximum light it can handle (which often improves flowering).
​Substrate: Best grown in a small pot using a moisture-retentive but airy mix, such as medium bark with perlite and charcoal. It can also be mounted on cork if humidity is high enough.
​Watering: Water regularly year-round. Unlike Nobile-types, do not give it a dry winter rest. Keep the medium evenly moist, allowing it to approach dryness but never become "bone dry".
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime: 24-30^{\circ}\text{C} (75-86^{\circ}\text{F}).
​Optimal Nighttime: 18-22^{\circ}\text{C} (64-72^{\circ}\text{F}). It is a warm grower and dislikes temperatures below 15^{\circ}\text{C}.
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) is preferred. Good air circulation is essential to prevent bacterial, fungal, or leaf-spot issues in such moist conditions.
​✨ Unique Features
​The most distinct feature of Dendrobium hodgkinsonii is the intricate veining on the lip, which looks almost hand-painted. Combined with the pale green petals, it has a sophisticated, delicate appearance that contrasts with the robust, club-like stems. Like other Latourias, its ability to hold flowers for 2–3 months makes it an exceptionally rewarding display plant.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: as seen in the picture
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium hodgkinsonii B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB