#lithophyte

[bigleafyfamily]

Okay, but why did no one tell me about the Hoya Linearis' fuzzy leaves? 🥹

Love this new addition to my collection.

01-March-2026

[wenbochenphoto]

The ravine orchid (Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii) is blooming in the deep gorges of Gondwana Tea Mountain right now. This endemic lithophytic orchid doesn't mind flowering during the driest period of the year as it grows next to the streams where it remains constantly shady and moist throughout the year.

[conspectusargosy]

Dendrobium kingianum is an orchid native to parts of Australia where it can be found growing primarily on rocks and in rock crevices. More orchids are epiphytic (growing on other plants) or terrestrial (growing in the earth) than lithophytic (growing on stone) as this one does. It has special adaptations to survive in an environment where moisture is rapidly lost such as spongy roots which are white-colored to reflect excessive light and heat, and a swollen stem known as a pseudobulb which acts as a nutrient and moisture storage vessel to survive the dry winters. Those characteristics are fairly common among orchid genera, making them rather akin to common succulents which employ some similar techniques to survive in unpredictable and arid climates. While quite common in collections, this orchid is still a pleasant variation from the ubiquitous Phalaenopsis orchids which are what comes to most individuals’ minds when hearing the word ‘orchid.’

[phytologikos]

Disocactus flagelliformis or the Rattail Cactus is so named because of its whip-like or flagellated "tails".

It belongs to the cactus family (Cactaceae) and originates from South America where it would grow epiphytically or lithophytically dependant on its surroundings.

Providing a minimum temperature of 6°C, a partially-shaded position and a nutrient and sand-rich potting mix is enough to suit these elongated cacti. Report every other year in fresh soil regardless of if they have outgrown their last pot as the soil will acidify otherwise. Cut old and discoloured stems off at the base in winter to allow for spring growth. Additionally, during the winter months, water the Disocactus less than you would in warmer spells.

[indefenseofplants]

The wonderful and truly ubiquitous maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). #ferns #fernsofinstagram #illinois #plants #plant #plantnerd #fern #lithophyte #botany #botanical #botanizing #geology #geologyhappens #nature #hiking #summer #ecology #moss #mossyrock #mossesofinstagram #nativeplants #naturephotography #naturelover #natureporn #plantsarefriends

[regnum-plantae]

Dendrobium speciosum, Orchidaceae

The king orchid, also known as rock lily, is native to eastern Australia, where it is widespread  over an area large enough to have allowed internal differentiation into a few varieties. It is probably one of the hardiest orchids, able to withstand temperatures ranging from near-frost to scorching-Australian-summer and bloom profusely when gradually established in full sun. 

It is also one of the orchids which grow into some of the largest aggregates. It is found as an epiphyte on both trees and exposed rocks or rocky slopes, and especially as a lithophyte it seems to grow in very large clumps, with its roots covered by ferns and other moisture-loving plants. 

It is grown outdoors, and can do well, in areas that enjoy a drier, warmer Mediterranean climate, not necessarily needing the same harsh conditions of some parts of Australia. When a container, or the plant itself, is placed in the right spot, it can still grow quite large, as it would in its habitat, so keep in mind the plants you place around it!

-photos from Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

[alex-oakmountain]

far and farther

[phytooo]

姿態必定各異，如同人類。

有時會搞不清楚主客體之間的關係，但都是同樣努力活著的生物，這樣就足夠了。

歡迎訂製