🌳 Habitat and Ecology
Dendrobium linearifolium is a miniature epiphytic orchid native to the island of Sumatra, Java, Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. It is found growing on mossy tree trunks and branches in montane forests at moderate to high elevations, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 metres. This orchid is adapted to a cool-intermediate growing regime with high humidity, consistent moisture, and good air movement.
🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
This orchid is a small, cane-like, sympodial perennial that forms dense tufted clumps.
 * Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces slender, cylindrical or cane-like pseudobulbs (stems). The leaves are thin, leathery, and linear (grass-like). The species name linearifolium (linear leaf) refers to this characteristic narrow foliage.
 * Flowers: The blooms are produced singly or in pairs on short, axillary spikes near the apex of the canes. The flowers are typically small to medium-sized (around 2.5 cm wide) and are usually white or creamy-white with a distinctive greenish or yellow-green suffusion on the petals and sepals. The lip (labellum) is often marked with green or yellow veins. The flowers are generally fragrant.
 * Ethnobotany: Phytochemical studies conducted on Dendrobium species, including D. linearifolium, often reveal the presence of alkaloids and phenanthrenes. These compounds suggest potential antimicrobial properties and traditional uses in local folk medicine for treating minor ailments.
 * Differentiation: Dendrobium linearifolium resembles several species in the sections Dendrocoryne and Aporum but can be distinguished by specific traits:
   * Versus D. linearifolium var. lancifolium: It is distinguished by its narrowly linear leaves (vs. lanceolate and broader leaves in var. lancifolium).
   * Versus D. serra: D. serra has conspicuously serrated leaf margins (hence 'saw-toothed') which are absent in the entire margins of D. linearifolium.
   * Versus D. revolutum: D. revolutum is distinct due to its strongly reflexed sepals and petals (revolute), giving the flower a tight, cupped appearance, unlike the more open, spreading segments of D. linearifolium.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Dendrobium linearifolium is a relatively forgiving cool-to-intermediate growing orchid that can be managed on a bright windowsill or in a cool conservatory in the UK.
 * Light: Requires bright, filtered light; high light is beneficial for flowering, but avoid harsh, direct midday sun which can burn the leaves.
 * Substrate: Use an open, free-draining epiphytic mix of medium-grade bark, charcoal, and perlite. It also grows well mounted on cork.
 * Watering: Water regularly and thoroughly during the growing season (spring to autumn), allowing the medium to approach dryness between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, though the plant should not be allowed to dehydrate completely.
 * Temperature:
   * Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-25 C (64-77 F).
   * Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A cool rest period is beneficial for flowering, ideally 12-16 C (54-61 F).
 * Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (55-75%) and good air circulation are necessary.
✨ Unique Features
This orchid is highly desirable for its compact, miniature habit and its abundance of delicate, star-like white and green flowers. The narrow, grass-like leaves provide a distinct textural contrast. Its potential traditional medicinal value adds a layer of ethnobotanical interest, appealing to collectors interested in the plant's wider cultural and scientific applications.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: As seen in the picture. All available plants are mounted.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium linearifolium B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB