Dendrobium fuscifaucium

Dendrobium fuscifaucium is a rare and captivating miniature orchid species, first described in 2022. Native to the limestone-rich mountains of Kasi District in Vientiane Province, Laos. This orchid is very small, making it perfect for terrariums where space and humidity can be carefully controlled.

Features:

• Growth Habit: Epiphytic with a creeping growth pattern, characterized by short cylindrical stems and narrow lanceolate leaves.
• Blooming Period: Typically flowers in summer, from June to October.
• Fragrance: None reported.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the summer months, to prevent leaf burn.
• Temperature: This species thrives in cool to intermediate temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F) during the day, with nighttime temperatures around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
• Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels, preferably above 70%. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a humidity tray, using a humidifier, or growing it in a terrarium or orchid cabinet.
• Watering: Water the plant once or twice a week during the growing season, ensuring the substrate is slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the medium to dry briefly between waterings. During the colder months, reduce watering and keep the plant drier.
• Substrate: Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as fine bark or sphagnum moss. Mounting the plant on cork slabs is also an effective method, as it mimics its natural epiphytic growth habit.
• Fertilization: During the growing season (spring to fall), feed the plant sparingly with a highly diluted orchid fertilizer, approximately once a month.
• Rest Period: After flowering, the plant may enter a dormant phase. During this time, reduce watering and feeding to encourage new growth.
• Flowering: Flowers typically appear in spring or early summer. The blooms are pink with a prominent dark-colored throat area and a yellow margin.