Dendrobium bracteosum

The Dendrobium bracteosum is a small plant native to lowland Papua New Guinea. This epiphyte requires an appropriate medium like bark, and it thrives in full sun or semi-shade. The plant loves regular water during grow season and during winter months, it should be watered sparingly to allow it time to rest. It requires high humidity to grow well and is mostly grown mounted or in baskets. The fine roots should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent rotting, but the plants should never be allowed to dry too much.

In spring and summer, the plant blooms with beautiful pink or white to off-white flowers. Each inflorescence can carry between 15 and 20 flowers, each with a lifespan of up to 3 weeks. The flowers have a unique wire-like twist to them.

The Dendrobium bracteosum is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but it is better to avoid temperatures lower than 50F. While it can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11, it is better to grow the plant in a pot for extra protection in cold regions. Frost should be avoided, and the pot should be kept in a sheltered location to prevent the roots from freezing.

Similar plants:

• Bifrenaria harrisoniae, Dendrobium harrisoniae (Bifrenaria)
• Dendrobium anosmum, Dendrobium superbum (Fragrant Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium constrictum, Pedilonum mimiense (Constricted Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium densiflorum (Pineapple Orchid)
• Dendrobium fimbriatum (Fringed-lipped Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium formosum (Giant-flowered Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium Humming Butterfly (Butterfly Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium lindleyi, Dendrobium aggregatum (Dendrobium)
• Dendrobium nobile (Dendrobium Nobile Orchid)
• Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium)