Dendrobium pentapterum

Dendrobium pentapterum is a miniature epiphytic orchid species native to the montane forests of New Guinea and parts of the Philippines. Belonging to the Oxyglossum section of the Dendrobium genus, it is renowned for its long-lasting, pale green to creamy white flowers with a distinctive orange-red lip.

Features:

• Size: Compact, typically 3 to 8 inches (7.5–20 cm) tall.

• Flowers: Approximately 1.5 cm wide, borne singly on leafless or leafy pseudobulbs.

• Blooming Season: Flowers can appear at any time of the year, with notable blooms in April, September, November, and December.

• Habitat: Found at altitudes of 800 to 2000 meters in montane cloud forests, growing on mossy branches with moderate shade to bright indirect light.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

• Temperature: Thrives in intermediate to cool conditions, with daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (20°C to 30°C) and nighttime temperatures around 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C).

• Humidity: Requires humidity levels between 50% and 70%.

• Watering: Water frequently during the growing season, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings.

• Fertilizing: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season, reducing or stopping during the winter rest period.

• Potting Medium: Use well-draining orchid bark or sphagnum moss.