Dendrobium limpidum

Dendrobium limpidum is a deciduous epiphytic orchid species native to the montane forests of eastern Papua New Guinea, thriving at elevations between 1,500 and 2,100 meters.

Features:

• Stems: Pendulous, ranging from 8 to 35 cm in length, with a maximum diameter of approximately 0.7 cm. The stems are covered with reddish foliar sheaths and bear leaves along their entire length.

• Leaves: Alternate, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, measuring 1.3–1.6 cm in length and 0.3–1 cm in width. They are dark green, coriaceous, and have irregularly papillose margins.

• Flowers: Compact inflorescences emerge from the upper nodes of both new and older pseudobulbs. Each inflorescence bears up to 10 luminous mauve flowers, each approximately 1–1.5 cm in length. The flowers feature ovate-elliptical sepals, elliptical petals, and a spatulate labellum with finely eroded margins.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers moderate shading; direct sunlight should be avoided.

• Temperature: Thrives in intermediate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, with winter night temperatures not falling below 15°C.

• Humidity: Requires high atmospheric humidity, ideally between 75% and 90%.

• Watering: Maintain evenly damp conditions, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. Use rainwater, demineralized water, or water purified by reverse osmosis.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with microelements at one-quarter of the recommended dosage, approximately once a month.

• Mounting: Due to its pendulous growth habit, it is commonly mounted on logs or rafts covered with sphagnum moss to maintain humidity and provide proper aeration.