Dendrobium trantuanii

Dendrobium trantuanii was described by Perner & X.N.Dang in 2003 and is an accepted species in the genus Dendrobium. This miniature epiphytic orchid is native to seasonal, drier forests in northwestern Vietnam and possibly NE Laos, at elevations between 800 and 1,000 meters.

Features:

• Growth: Compact and miniature. Flat, compressed pseudobulbs with 4–12 internodes, sheathed at the base, typically reaching up to 25 cm in height.

• Leaves: Each pseudobulb bears 3–8 oblong leaves, roughly 8–12 cm long.

• Flowers: Blooms in spring, typically producing 1–4 large (4–5 cm), waxy, long-lasting flowers per inflorescence, emerging from leafless pseudobulbs. The flowers are pastel pink with a white-green center and a striking deep burgundy or mahogany, fuzzy lip. Unscented or subtly fragrant.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light—2500–3500 foot-candles—can tolerate varied light but may show yellowing if it's too intense.

• Temperature: Grows well in intermediate to warm conditions. Suggested ranges are day 23–31 °C (73–88°F) and night 14–21 °C (57–70°F).

• Watering & Humidity: Enjoys regular watering in growing season and high humidity (~60–80%). Reduce watering slightly in winter. Good air movement is important to prevent rot.

• Media & Mounting: Suitable for mounting or potted in fine bark/perlite/moss mix. Mounted growing favors airflow and is often preferred.

• Feeding: Year-round feeding with a diluted orchid fertilizer keeps it healthy, even outside the active growing season.