The Delicate Beauty of the Lily of the Valley Orchid

The lily of the valley orchid is a stunning tropical flower cherished for its graceful pendulous blooms. While not actually in the lily family, its nodding white blossoms evoke the bell-shaped flowers of the lily of the valley plant. Let’s explore the origins, growth habits, and care for this rewarding orchid.

Background and Origins

The lily of the valley orchid goes by the botanical name Dendrobium monophyllum. It is native to the rainforests of northeast Australia in Queensland and New South Wales. First described scientifically in 1859, it grows naturally as an epiphyte, using trees or rocks as a rooting perch.

Other common names for Dendrobium monophyllum include the whistle orchid or golden bell orchid. It belongs to the enormous Orchidaceae family, which contains over 800 genera and 28,000 species. The name refers to its single leaf (mono = one, phyllum = leaf) atop each cane-like pseudobulb.

Growth Habit

The lily of the valley orchid is an evergreen orchid with a climbing growth habit. Its leafy stems, called canes or pseudobulbs, emerge from rhizomatous roots Slender upright canes grow to about 16 inches tall and produce pleated, grass-like leaves at their tips.

Mature plants form dramatic cascading clusters as new shoots develop. The pseudobulbs provide water and food storage. Leaves are elongated and narrow growing up to 5 inches long. They are bright green and give the plant its tropical look.

Flowers

From late summer through winter, the lily of the valley orchid delights with its pendant blooms. Each mature cane produces racemes of 2 to 8 blossoms on arching 10-inch flower spikes. The fragrant flowers have a delicate bell shape and paper-thin white petals with yellow centers.

These blooms earn this orchid its “lily of the valley” nickname since they resemble the nodding white bells ofConvallaria majalis. Flowers emerge successively and last up to 2 weeks each. With proper care, plants may bloom a few times per year.

Growing Conditions

The lily of the valley orchid thrives with warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright indirect sunlight. Daytime temps of 65-85°F suit it best. As an epiphyte, it needs excellent drainage and open, airy conditions. An open orchid potting mix amended with bark, charcoal and perlite provides an ideal foundation.

Sites with partial sun to dappled shade give this orchid the bright but protected light it prefers. Mist the plant regularly to provide needed humidity. Cut spent flower spikes back to encourage reblooming. Feed a balanced orchid fertilizer weakly and often during growth and flowering. Repot only when necessary, as the roots resent disturbance.

Care and Cultivation

For home growers, the lily of the valley orchid does best as a basket or potted plant. Careful attention to humidity, air flow, light levels and temperatures will help it thrive indoors or in a greenhouse or sunny patio setting. Set plants in hanging teardrop pots or mount on slabs of tree fern or cork bark.

Group plants together to increase local humidity. Run humidifiers, use pebble trays, and mist frequently to provide the very humid conditions this tropical epiphyte needs. Avoid soggy soil and let plants dry slightly between waterings. Feed more heavily while blooming.

To promote bushy growth, cut old pseudobulb stems to 2-3 inches after flowering. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, disturbing roots as little as possible. With excellent care, the graceful lily of the valley orchid will reward growers with its elegant pendant blooms for years to come.

Varieties

There are a few named variety and hybrids of the lily of the valley orchid available to collectors:

• Dendrobium monophyllum ‘Gold Country’ – larger golden flowers, vigorous grower

• Dendrobium monophyllum ‘Mini Prim’ – compact plant with proportionately smaller blooms

• Dendrobium Emma Lou – hybrid with pink tones

• Dendrobium Mousmee Angel – hybrid with larger pink-tinged flowers

Propogation

The lily of the valley orchid can be propagated by dividing crowded clumps or by removing and potting up plantlets that form on older stems. Take care to retain some roots and plant into fresh orchid potting mix in small pots. Maintain warm, very humid conditions as new plants establish.

Common Pests and Diseases

Orchids require good air circulation and appropriate watering and humidity to remain healthy. Some potential problems include:

• Fungal or bacterial rots – improve drainage and airflow

• Mealybugs, aphids, scale – treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap

• Sunburn – provide proper shade

• Drooping, wrinkled leaves – increase humidity

With its cascading habit, grassy foliage, and dangling white bells, the aptly named lily of the valley orchid is one of the most elegant members of the Dendrobium family. While it requires specialized orchid care, this Australian tropical can reward growers with stunning blooms for many seasons when properly cultivated. The lily of the valley orchid is sure to be a treasured addition to any orchid lover’s collection.