Photo: dhfischerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kangaroo Orchid Plant Care
Dendrobium macropus (Endl.) Rchb.f. ex Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Originating from the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this orchid's most distinctive visual feature is its stunning and intricate vivid purple and white flowers. Plant collectors are drawn to Dendrobium macropus for its rare beauty and limited availability in cultivation.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kangaroo Orchid?
Water Kangaroo Orchid every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kangaroo Orchid Native To?
What Is the Kangaroo Orchid?
Kangaroo Orchid (Dendrobium macropus) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Dendrobium genus. Kangaroo Orchid is native to Norfolk Island. Kangaroo Orchid is also known as Dendrobium bigfoot.
Kangaroo Orchid displays an upright, epiphytic growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Kangaroo Orchid produces colorful, showy blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kangaroo Orchid?
Dendrobium macropus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kangaroo Orchid Need?
Kangaroo Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kangaroo Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kangaroo Orchid Prefer?
Dendrobium macropus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Kangaroo Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kangaroo Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Kangaroo Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kangaroo Orchid?
Feed Kangaroo Orchid every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Kangaroo Orchid?
Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Kangaroo Orchid?
Kangaroo Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden dendrobium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kangaroo Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kangaroo Orchid?
Kangaroo Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kangaroo Orchid Need?
Kangaroo Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Kangaroo Orchid is native to Norfolk Island. In cooler regions, grow Kangaroo Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Kangaroo Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dendrobium genus — compare its care with other Dendrobium species on PlantoScan.
Dendrobium is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Kangaroo Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dendrobium Species
Other Dendrobium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dendrobium macropus (Endl.) Rchb.f. ex Lindl., family Orchidaceae (first published in Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany 3: 9. 1858 in obs.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: dhfischer, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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