Dendrobium bracteosum Rchb. f. 1886 is an epiphytic growing, mid-sized orchid species, native to the world’s second largest island New Guinea (Papua Island).

Dendrobium bracteosum belongs to the Dendrobium Section Pedilonum, which contains about 80 species. The most prominent representatives of the Pedilonum Section are Dendrobium capituliflorum, Den. goldschmidtianum (Den. miyakei), Den. purpureum, Den. secundum, Den. smillieae and the colorful natural hybrid Dendrobium × usitae. Flowers of Dendrobium bracteosum are born from the nodes of mature canes in dense, ball-like clusters. Single flowers get a lenght of about 2,5 cm and are fragrant. Flowering period: Spring to Autumn. As the flowers are white, the orchid is often misnamed as Dendrobium bracteosum var. album Sander 1901, but the orchid shown on our picture isn`t an albino variant, because of it`s colorful, bright orange lip. The albino orchid Dendrobium bracteosum var. album has a greenish-yellowish lip.

Another known variety is the pink colored Dendrobium bracteosum var. roseum Sander 1901, also with a bright orange lip. Dendrobium bracteosum orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The tropical orchid requires cool to warm temperatures and medium amounts of light. During the winter rest fertilizer and waterings should be restricted until new growth appears.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Dendrobium bracteosum Rchb. f. 1886
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee