Habitat and Ecology
 
​Dendrobium bellatulum, commonly known as the Enchanting Dendrobium, is a miniature epiphytic orchid belonging to the Formosae Section (known for their fine black hairs). It is native to Southeast Asia, with a wide distribution in the Himalayan region, Northeast India (Assam), Southern China (Yunnan), Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. It grows on tree trunks in primary montane forests with deciduous trees at elevations typically between 900 and 2,100 metres. This habitat has a cool to warm regime and requires a distinct cool, bright, and dry winter rest period to induce flowering.
 
​Description
 
​This orchid is a charming mini-miniature perennial that forms dense, small clumps. It is easily identified by its very short, ovoid to fusiform (spindle-shaped) pseudobulbs (2.5-8 cm long) that are characteristically covered in fine black hairs (a trait of its section) and topped by two to four apical, leathery leaves which are often persistent but eventually deciduous. The flowers are remarkably large for the size of the plant, measuring 3-4.5 cm across. They emerge in short spikes from the nodes of the leafless or semi-leafless canes in late winter and spring. The blooms are typically creamy-white or pale yellow, and the most striking feature is the large, broad, bilobed lip which is a brilliant bright orange or dark yellow with a contrasting scarlet or reddish-orange throat and a distinct raised central ridge (callus). The flowers are strongly fragrant.
 
​Cultivation
 
​Dendrobium bellatulum is a cool-to-intermediate growing orchid that demands a clear, cool rest to flower well. It requires very bright, high, filtered light; more light than many other indoor orchids. The intense winter light is necessary for bud formation. It grows well mounted on cork bark or potted in an open, fast-draining medium (fine bark, perlite, and a minimal amount of sphagnum moss). To ensure blooming, an uninterrupted cool, dry winter rest is essential:
 
​Growing Season (Spring/Summer): Water heavily and frequently, allowing for quick drainage. Feed weekly with a balanced liquid feed.
​Rest Period (Winter): Reduce watering significantly (just enough to prevent excessive shrivelling) and stop feeding completely for about three months.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature (Growing Season): 21-27C (70-81 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Winter Rest): A consistent drop is critical, ideally 10-15 C (50-59 F).
 
​High humidity (60-75%) and strong air circulation are necessary.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This is one of the most delightful and compact miniature orchids, highly valued for its disproportionately large, vibrant, tri-coloured flowers that bloom from the leafless canes. The rich orange lip contrasting sharply with the creamy sepals is instantly captivating. Its inclusion in the Formosae Section due to the fine black hairs on its stems provides a unique textural element, making it a desirable specimen for the cool-growing orchid collector.
 
​Specifications
 
​Plant Size: As pictured, growing on mounts.
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Dendrobium bellatulum B 140084 C [buyer to input using number on the plant label] D GB