Dendrobium schuetzei

Dendrobium schuetzei is a striking epiphytic orchid native to the tropical forests of northeastern Mindanao, Philippines. It thrives at elevations between 300 and 910 meters (approximately 1,000–3,000 feet) above sea level.

Features:

• Size: Typically grows to a height of 15–40 cm (6–16 inches).

• Stems: Erect, cylindrical, and grooved, with 12 nodes.

• Leaves: Narrowly ovate, coriaceous (leathery), and bilobed at the apex, measuring 6–10 cm long.

• Flowers: Large, waxy, and fragrant, ranging from 6.0 to 9.5 cm in diameter. They are snow-white with a greenish-yellow lip that may have purple tinges at the base. The flowers bloom in late fall to winter on short racemes emerging near the apex of the cane.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Temperature: Intermediate to warm temperatures, ideally between 25–28°C during the day and 19–20°C at night.

• Humidity: High humidity levels, around 80–85%, increasing to 90% in late autumn and winter.

• Watering: Requires consistent moisture but not waterlogging. Watering once a day during the growing season is beneficial.

• Substrate: Can be mounted on tree ferns or cork, or grown in pots with loose, well-draining media like sphagnum moss or medium fir bark.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer every week or every two weeks during the growing season at 1/4–1/2 strength.

• Rest Period: While natural habitat experiences peak precipitation in winter, maintain consistent moisture levels without increasing watering during the rest period.