What's Blooming

Queen Victoria’s Dendrobium
(Dendrobium victoriae-reginae)

Orchid Haven, Cloud Forest

Dendrobium victoriae-reginae is a captivating orchid species first described by Augustus Loher in 1897 in the Gardeners’ Chronicle. The species was named in honour of Queen Victoria, commemorating her sixtieth anniversary on the British throne. Reflecting its royal namesake, this orchid is celebrated for its striking beauty and is one of the most recognized and widely cultivated species in its section.

This extraordinary species is endemic to the Philippines and is found throughout the archipelago. It thrives in cool, moist mountain regions at elevations above 1,200m from sea level. Its natural high-altitude habitat makes it highly adaptable to tolerate winter temperatures as low as 10°C and it grows best in lightly shaded areas with good air circulation and consistent moisture, replicating its native conditions.

This species blooms most prolifically in spring, under natural conditions, when growth from the previous summer season begins to sprout flower buds from the leaf axils, causing the leaves to yellow and drop. New vegetative growth typically follows flowering. 

The flowers of Dendrobium victoriae-reginae showcase a stunning range of cool-toned colours, including blue, purple, violet, and white, with the deep violet-blue shades particularly admired for their vibrant, regal beauty. Each plant produces several short inflorescences carrying up to three exquisite, star-shaped blooms in clusters, each approximately 3.5 cm in diameter, creating an eye-catching display. The flower colour is influenced by temperature and light, with brighter light and cooler temperatures resulting in deeper blue hues. 

While pollination has not been extensively studied, the flower shape, colour, and lack of scent suggest that they may be pollinated by sunbirds or other birds, as seen in other species of this Dendrobium group. The blue hue of the blooms is rare among orchids and may be an adaptation to mimic the flowers of other angiosperms.

A jewel of Philippine flora, Dendrobium victoriae-reginae continues to enchant orchid enthusiasts worldwide with its vibrant hues, compact blooms, and adaptability, making it a true treasure among orchids. They are in bloom now, so spot them in the Gardens by the Bahay Kubo display at Orchid Haven, Cloud Forest.

This article is part of our What's Blooming series.