White Toothbrush Orchid (Dendrobium secundum var. alba)

Dendrobium secundum var. alba, commonly known as the "White Toothbrush Orchid," is a rare and striking epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, including regions such as Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, peninsular Malaysia, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, and the Philippines. This variety is distinguished by its pure white flowers with subtle orange centers, a stark contrast to the typical pink or red forms of the species.

Features:

• Growth Habit: Medium to large-sized, cane-like epiphyte with semi-pendulous stems.

• Leaves: Oblong to oblong-lanceolate, persistent, and unequally bilobed at the apex.

• Flowering: Late summer through late spring, blooming from mature pseudobulbs.

• Flowers: Approximately 50 waxy, glossy, fragrant flowers per inflorescence, each about 1.6 cm long and 0.6 cm wide. The alba variety features white sepals and petals with a yellow lip.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Temperature: Warm to hot temperatures; protect from temperatures below 60°F (15°C).

• Humidity: High humidity levels.

• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the media to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the cooler months.

• Fertilization: Fertilize weekly during the growing season; reduce during the cooler months.

• Potting: Use a well-draining mix such as sphagnum moss or medium fir bark.

Due to its semi-pendulous growth habit, this orchid is best grown mounted or in a hanging basket.