Dendrobium rupicoloides
A lithophytic Dendrobium of the rock-orchid (Thelychiton) group from tropical north Queensland, first described as Thelychiton rupicola and renamed in 2014. It grows on boulders and cliffs, with cylindrical green to reddish pseudobulbs 15–24 cm long, up to three thick leaves, and sprays of 30–50 white flowers marked purple on the lip from October to December. Grow it like a tropical rock orchid: very bright light, a warm wet summer and a distinctly dry winter.
Where it grows wild
A lithophyte on boulders and cliffs in the ranges of tropical north Queensland, such as around Mount Windsor and the Atherton Tableland. Rock faces there are exposed and bright, and roots dry quickly after rain.
No GBIF records or published elevations were available; the localities named (Mount Windsor Tableland, Atherton Tableland) lie mostly at roughly 600–1200 m, so treat this as an upland plant.
🔒 Growing it like that
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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.