Pigeon orchid Dendrobium crumenatum
Pigeon orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia, including Singapore (common on roadside and forest trees). It grows 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Pigeon orchid in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pigeon orchid at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South and Southeast Asia, including Singapore (common on roadside and forest trees) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Pigeon orchid toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pigeon orchid
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Pigeon orchid in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (10 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (8 plants)
Questions about Pigeon orchid
- How far apart should I plant Pigeon orchid?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Pigeon orchid need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pigeon orchid need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pigeon orchid?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Pigeon orchid flower?
- From about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pigeon orchid poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
- What grows well with Pigeon orchid?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pigeon orchid. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: Rainforest, National Orchid Garden, Ginger Garden, Learning Forest, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Epiphyte: grows on branches in nature; in a garden it is tied onto trees, tree-fern trunks or rock, or grown in very open bark mix.
- All plants in an area flower together about nine days after a sudden drop in temperature (a heavy rainstorm); the fragrant white flowers last a single day.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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