Dendrobium garrettii

Dendrobium garrettii Seidenf. (1985) is an accepted species of miniature orchid endemic to Thailand, where it grows as an epiphyte in montane forests at elevations around 1800 meters.

This cool-growing orchid features compact, laterally compressed ovoid-to-conical pseudobulbs bearing 2–3 thin, deciduous leaves. It blooms in summer to fall, producing erect 2–5 cm inflorescences from the apex of each pseudobulb, each bearing 3–9 faintly fragrant, campanulate flowers (~1–1.5 cm across) that open nearly simultaneously.

Features:

• Growth Form: A micro-miniature epiphyte forming clumps of clustered, conical pseudobulbs.

• Leaves: Thin, lanceolate to ligulate leaves; deciduous, often shed by flowering time.

• Flowers: 3–9 per inflorescence; campanulate, fragrant, ~1–1.5 cm in diameter; typically off-white with violet veins and a central lip area.

• Habitat: Native to high-elevation, cool, moist forests in northern Thailand (~1800 m).

Care Tips:

• Light
  Provide bright, indirect light, similar to understory canopy conditions. Avoid harsh direct sun.

• Temperature
  A cool to intermediate grower: around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) during the day, with a drop of 6 °C (10 °F) at night.

• Humidity
  Maintain moderate to high humidity, around 50–70%, combined with good air circulation to avoid fungal issues.

• Watering
  Keep the medium moist during active growth; water when the surface just begins to dry. Reduce watering slightly in winter.

• Substrate & Potting
  Use a well-draining mix like fine bark with sphagnum; mounting is preferable to mimic natural epiphytic growth.

• Fertilization
  Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer at ¼–½ strength during growth periods. Flush medium periodically to prevent salt buildup.