Down in the Garden: Australian Native Orchids

One of the most often asked questions about flowers that I have received over the years is whether or not there are any Australian Orchids.

With over 800 species and around ten new plants discovered each year, the answer is a resounding, ‘you better believe it!’.

For cultural and showing purposes, Australian Native Orchids are placed into one of two groups, the first being the most popular with home gardeners and collectors for their relative ease of care.

Accounting for around 25% of the native orchid population, this group is known as the ‘Epiphyte Orchids’.

These grow upon trees and rocks. (In botanical terms, a plant growing upon rock void of soil is further classified as a ‘Lithophyte’.)

The second group, the ‘Terrestrial Orchids’ makes up the rest of the population, which is 75% and although this group is much larger, it isn’t always as well represented in collections as they can be a lot more difficult to cultivate, and many are extremely rare to begin with.

As their name suggests, they grow upon the ground.

Central Coast Native Orchids

What’s even more exciting is discovering and growing our own local orchids.

These will be easier to care for and the success rate of cultivation will also be higher in general because they are at home here.

Still, you will need to be mindful of their ‘micro-environmental’ needs.

Just because it is a plant that is native to this area, doesn’t mean it can grow as happily in a shaded mountain-area as it will on the windswept full-sun coast.

Here are a few locals you might like to try growing at your place:

Tree Spider Orchid (Dendrobium tetragonum) grows naturally in trees and upon rocks along small, shaded waterways.

In your garden, you will need a semi-shaded, sheltered moist spot.

Expect the highly fragrant, spider-like flowers to appear in the springtime.

You will need good air circulation, and although it can be grown in a pot, does a lot better when mounted in a tree or upon a board.

Keep moist throughout the year but a lot drier in the winter months.

Ironbark Orchid (Dendrobium aemulum) likes to grow on Eucalyptus trees but if you are growing in pots, use a course, loose bark and make sure that you keep the roots covered.

Flowers are a brilliant white that turn pink as they are spent.

It’s a late winter through to early spring bloomer which delights with a divine soft fragrance.

They are happy in the heat, prefer some humidity but also need very good airflow.

Ironbark orchids prefer full sun but will tolerant some shade.

Ensure the medium is kept moist but be aware that they don’t like to be overwatered at all.

A free-flowing growing medium is super important with this orchid.

Rock Orchid (Dendrobium speciosum) would have to be my favourite orchid.

It grows as both an epiphyte and a terrestrial and is rather drought and heat tolerant.

They must have good air-circulation and you should give them semi-shade, but they will enjoy full sun from late autumn and then throughout the winter.

Rock Orchid likes to grow in a course bark, pine bark is recommended, and watering should be monitored because they easily fall victim to root rot if water is left to pool.

As a general guide: water every 3 to 4 days in summer, decreasing to once every week or 10 days in the colder months.

How to Grow Epiphytes & Lithophytes

First, find a tree! No tree or desire to grow your orchid in a tree?

That’s ok, you can simply use old branches, sticks and even rocks artfully placed in pots.

Under this structure, you will need a medium and that is not going to be soil.

Your epiphytes will recoil in horror if you plant them in dirt so fill your pot with a chunky medium like bark chips, gravel or charcoal.

There are specialty orchid growing mediums which are made up of these things and having a look at them will give you the idea or a solution.

This is rather general advice so make sure you seek out individual care tips for your species.

Feed your orchid with a specialised orchid fertiliser but at half strength, (because this is a native plant), from mid spring until mid-autumn.

You will find that most of this type of orchid need daily watering through the hottest summer months then a couple of times a week in mild weather, to once a fortnight through the winter months.

Got a tree? Maybe a big rock in the garden?

Just tie your orchid to it.

Follow the rest of the instructions I have given but also make sure the position suits the species you have chosen.

One tip I will share with you – don’t tie that orchid to a Paperbark Tree or other bark shedder.

How to Grow Terrestrial Orchids.

For the strong of heart and the patient, these orchids will give you a challenge.

I like to enjoy them out there in the bush, but if you want to give them a go, a good starting point is the Donkey Orchid species (Duris spp.) of which there are many, but all have a pair of distinctive ear-like petals.

These are an easier than most terrestrial orchid to grow.

All terrestrial orchids will need a situation on par with most native plants and if growing in a pot, use 3 parts Australian Native Potting Mix to one part perlite to increase drainage.

Many terrestrial orchids are deciduous and will die back to their underground tubers in summer and flower from very early spring.

Water well during the growing period but most need you to stop completely when they die back.

Looking for More Native Orchid Adventures?

Go for a walk in our natural bushland and see if you can spot some Aussie Natives but only take photos, not flowers or plants. Not only is it illegal, but you will also be contributing to the extinction of our flora.

If you are interested in exploring more about legally collecting and growing these beauties of the bush, get in touch with a local Native Orchid group.

One that services the Central Coast is: the Australasian Native Orchid Society, Central Coast and they meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Narara Valley Community Centre. www.anoscentralcoast.com.

Also check out the umbrella Australasian Native Orchid Society Website: www.anos.org.au

The Australasian Native Orchid Society is dedicated to ‘promoting the understanding and appreciation of orchids growing naturally not only in Australia, but also neighbouring New Zealand, New Guinea and the adjacent western Pacific.’

The society members enjoy a type of plant-fellowship that includes breeding of species and sub-species, shows, culture, education and field work.

TIME TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY

Gardeners can still plant flowering bulbs out, but you will need to get a wiggle on for some.

It’s a good time to plant evergreen climbers, trees and shrubs and you better also get to it for your spring flowering display as the time is running out.

This week you could plant: broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, onion, garlic, silver beet, spinach, coriander, tarragon, rosemary, shallots, lemongrass, mint, alyssum, Canterbury bells, carnations, columbine, forget-me-nots, lupin, pansy, penstemon, perennial salvia, stock, wallflower.

AROUND THE COAST FOR GARDENERS THIS WEEK

Australasian Native Orchid Society, Central Coast Show is on at Narara Valley Nursery this Saturday 17th April 10am to 5pm and Sunday 18th April 9am to 1:30pm. Entry is free and there will be plant sales and raffles.

The CoastFM963 Gardening Gang is broadcasting live from the Orchid Show at Narara Valley Nursery on Saturday 17th 8am to 10am. Come on down and say hello to Pete and Cheralyn and you might even get to go air with your gardening questions or tips.

Both of the above events: Narara Valley Nursery, 2 Manns Road, Narara. www.nararavalleynursery.com.au

Kokedama Workshop 17th April Come and join Luna & Co in this relaxing workshop creating your very own Japanese inspired Kokedama creations. You will take home 2 beautifully wrapped kokedama plants. 880 Pacific Highway Lisarow Bookings essential: 0410691286

Keeping Backyard Chickens Online Webinar: Monday, 19 April 12:00pm to 1:10pm. Learn all the basics in getting started with your own backyard chickens. Free to book: www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 – 10am every Saturday on Coast FM.

Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com