Habitat and Ecology
Dendrobium fuscifaucium is a recently described miniature epiphytic orchid whose wild populations have not been definitively confirmed. It is known primarily from cultivated material supposedly collected from the limestone mountains of Kasi District, Vientiane Province, Laos. The presumed natural habitat is deciduous limestone forest at medium elevations, suggesting it is adapted to a warm-intermediate climate with high humidity and possibly a seasonal dry period, growing on tree trunks and rocks. Its extreme rarity in the wild means legally propagated stock is essential for collection.
Description
This orchid is a charming miniature perennial that produces short, clustered, fusiform (spindle-shaped) pseudobulbs (5-15 mm long). It is a highly compact plant with small, persistent leaves that are narrowly elliptic and often display purple spots on the underside against a dark green surface. The plant is prized for its bloom, which is large relative to the plant size (1.3-1.8 cm wide), emerging singly from the apex of leafless or semi-leafless canes, typically in late winter to spring. The flowers are noted for their unique colouration: pink to creamy-white sepals and petals with subtle purple veins, contrasting dramatically with the prominent, tubular lip which has a distinctive dark brown or chocolate-coloured disc in the throat—the feature referenced by its name, fuscifaucium (dark throat).
Cultivation
Dendrobium fuscifaucium is a cool-to-intermediate growing miniature that is highly moisture-sensitive. It is best grown mounted on cork bark or in a very small, fine, free-draining pot using a mix of fine bark and sphagnum moss. It requires bright, filtered light; strong light promotes better colouration and blooming. It needs a clear seasonal shift: water heavily during the warm growing season but enforce a cool, drier winter rest period once the canes mature.
Optimal Daytime Temperature (Growing Season): 20-25 C (68-77 F)
Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Winter Rest): A cooling period is essential, ideally 12-16 C (54-61 F), with reduced watering.
High humidity (70%+) and excellent air circulation are critical to prevent fungal issues on its thin roots and delicate stems. Water with tepid, soft water (rainwater is ideal).
Unique Features
This is a highly unique and rare miniature orchid in cultivation, noted for its unusual origin (described from nursery stock) and its striking, contrasting flower colours—the delicate pink/white sepals surrounding the prominent dark chocolate-brown throat are instantly captivating. Its compact size and ease of growth (relative to its rarity) make it an exceptional "jewel box" specimen for any serious collector.
Specifications
Plant Size:
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium fuscifaucium B 140084 C [user input] D GB
