Left picture is Dendroboum delicatum and the right is D. kingianum

Dendrobium kingianum is also known as Thelychiton kingianus and the common name is Pink Rock Orchid. Cold growing lithophytic orchid (rarely terrestrial or epiphytic)) which is native to Australia.

  • Small size less than 25 cm high.
  • Few small flowers grow on thin stem pink to mauve colour.
  • Thin leaves up to 10 cm in length.
  • The whole look of the plant and flowers are more delicate compared to D. delicatum.

Dendrobium delicatum (Thelychiton x delicatus) was known as a natural hybrid between D. kingianum x D. tarberi.

  • Much taller compared to D. kingianum. Pseudo bulbs can grow up to 35 cm long.
  • Lithophatic, grow in between rocks and boulders.
  • Up to 5 thin leaves up to 20 cm long.
  • Cluster of flowers grow on long stem up to 25 cm.
  • Flowers are mostly white with purple or pink tinge.
  • Flower easier compared to D. kingianum.
  • In general D. delicatum looks more robust compared to D. kingianum.

Comparison between Dendrobium kingianum and D. delicatum. Smaller plant on left is D. Kingianum.

Plant on the left is Dendrobium kingianum compared with the other 2 D. delicatum.

Note: The 2 Dendrobium delicatum orchids look slightly different from one another. They could be from different hybrids. Apart from natural hybrids, other Dendrobium delicatum orchids are also man-made hybrids. Natural hybrids mostly have mauve white or creamy colour, while man-made hybrids can be more colourful.

Dendrobium ‘Bardo Rose’ (Dendrobium falcorostrum × Dendrobium kingianum) can look very similar to D. delicatum, anyone knows the difference between the 2 ? Please comment below.