Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cooktown Orchid
IntermediateDendrobium bigibbum
A Dendrobium from north-eastern Australia with arching sprays of up to 20 rounded lilac-purple flowers. Known as the Cooktown orchid, it is the species behind the Den-Phal hybrids.
About
Dendrobium bigibbum, the Cooktown orchid, is the floral emblem of Queensland, Australia. It grows in tropical north Queensland and New Guinea on trees and rocks in bright, semi-arid lowlands from sea level to 400 m. The cylindrical pseudobulbs are 20-120 cm long, green or purplish, with three to five egg-shaped leaves. Arching stems 20-40 cm long carry two to twenty flowers 3-7 cm wide, mostly lilac-purple and rarely bluish or pink, with broad, rounded petals; they appear near the tips of both leafy and leafless canes and are long-lasting. Plants once called Dendrobium phalaenopsis are now included in this species, the lineage behind the "Den-Phal" hybrids seen as cut flowers and pot plants. In Japan, selected plants are sold as species seedlings. It is warm-growing; the key to flowering is a moderate winter rest, not resuming watering until new growths are about 5-7 cm tall.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Cooktown Orchid
The Cooktown Orchid grows to Pseudobulbs 20-120 cm; flower stems 20-40 cm; flowers 3-7 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
North-eastern Australia (north Queensland) and New Guinea (sea level to 400 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Pseudobulbs 20-120 cm; flower stems 20-40 cm; flowers 3-7 cm wide
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
A high-light species; lightly shade only from midsummer sun and give full light otherwise.
Watering
Water as the medium dries while growing; cut back in winter and resume only when new growths reach 5-7 cm.
Temperature & Overwintering
A warm-growing tropical lowland species that is sensitive to cold; keep it in a warm room in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in a free-draining medium such as bark in a smallish pot; repot as new growth starts.
Dormancy Care
A moderate dry winter rest encourages flowers on both leafy and leafless canes.
Cooktown Orchid FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Cooktown Orchid?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Cooktown Orchid get?
The mature size of Cooktown Orchid is Pseudobulbs 20-120 cm; flower stems 20-40 cm; flowers 3-7 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Cooktown Orchid?
Cooktown Orchid: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Cooktown Orchid?
The price of Cooktown Orchid varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Dendrobium bigibbum Lindl.
Synonyms: Callista bigibba (Lindl.) Kuntze, Dendrobium bigibbum var. compactum C.T.White, Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. schroderianum Rolfe, Vappodes bigibba (Lindl.) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. Artificially propagated Dendrobium hybrids such as Den-Phals can be exempt, but this species itself remains in Appendix II.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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