Dendrobium secundum

Dendrobium secundum – The Toothbrush Orchid

Dendrobium secundum is a striking tropical orchid admired for its densely packed flower spikes, vibrant pink blooms and distinctive toothbrush-like appearance. Commonly known as the Toothbrush Orchid, this species is native to South and Southeast Asia, extending from Bangladesh and Myanmar through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to Malaysia and Indonesia, including Borneo, Sumatra and Java. It grows as an epiphyte on trees in warm lowland forests and open woodland habitats, where it experiences seasonal changes in rainfall. Its unusual flower arrangement and colourful blooms make it a popular choice among collectors of Asian Dendrobium species.

The flowers are small but spectacular in large numbers, typically measuring approximately 1–1.25 cm across. The most common form displays waxy, bright pink to magenta flowers, while paler and white-flowered forms are also known. The flowers are arranged closely together along one side of a short, upright to slightly arching raceme, creating the distinctive toothbrush effect. Mature plants can produce dozens of flowers along a single inflorescence, with the blooms often opening densely together for an impressive display. The flowers are also fragrant.

This medium to large-growing orchid produces sturdy, grooved canes that may become upright or semi-pendulous as they mature. Its oblong green leaves are arranged along the stems and may be shed seasonally before flowering. It thrives in bright light, warm conditions and excellent air circulation. Regular watering during active growth, followed by a reduction in watering during the cooler or drier resting period, helps encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Features:

• Origin: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia
• Flower size: Approximately 1–1.25 cm across; individual flowers are relatively short-lived
• Flowering duration: individual flowers are relatively short-lived
• Flower colour: Bright pink to magenta; white and pale-coloured forms also occur; flowers are fragrant
• Fragrance: flowers are fragrant
• Growth habit: Epiphytic orchid with sturdy, grooved, upright to semi-pendulous canes; mature canes can range from about 30 cm to 1.8 m, depending on the plant
• Mature size: mature canes can range from about 30 cm to 1.8 m, depending on the plant
• Foliage: Oblong to lance-shaped green leaves, sometimes shed seasonally
• Flowering season: Late summer through spring, depending on climate and growing conditions
• Flower spikes: Dense, short racemes with flowers arranged along one side, often producing dozens of blooms
• Light: Bright light to partial sun, with protection from excessive midday heat
• Watering: Water regularly during active growth; reduce watering during the resting period
• Growing conditions: Warm to hot temperatures, good humidity and strong airflow
• Growing style: Suitable for pots, baskets or mounted culture with a well-drained orchid medium
• Synonyms: Pedilonum secundum  ; Callista secunda ; Dendrobium heterostigma   Dendrobium bursigerum .; Callista bursigera  ; Pedilonum bursigerum

A fantastic choice for orchid enthusiasts, Dendrobium secundum combines vivid pink flowers, a distinctive toothbrush-shaped floral display and vigorous tropical growth, making it a memorable addition to any specialist orchid collection.

Flower size, colour, fragrance and flowering performance may vary depending on the individual plant and growing conditions.

This orchid should be mounted to accomodate the often pendulous growth habit but if a pot is used it should be as small as possible and it should be allowed to dry out between waterings and fertiliser lessened through the winter months resuming only after the initiation of new growth in the spring.

This product CANNOT Be posted to WA, NT, TAS, Due To Quarantine Restrictions