🇵🇬 Habitat and Ecology
​Dendrobium purpureum (the Purple Dendrobium) is a small-to-medium-sized, vigorous epiphytic orchid native to the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It is a member of the Section Dendrocoryne. It is found growing on tree trunks and branches in lowland and lower montane rainforests in warm, humid conditions, typically at elevations below 1,000 metres. This species is adapted to a hot to warm growing regime with constant moisture year-round.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is a sympodial perennial that forms dense clusters.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces slender, cane-like pseudobulbs (stems) that are typically sheathed. The leaves are persistent, leathery, and elliptic.
​Flowers: The spectacular flowers are produced in short, dense, terminal or lateral clusters (globose racemes) that emerge near the apex of the mature canes. The blooms are small (1-2 cm wide).
​Aesthetics: The flowers are noted for their vibrant colour, typically a saturated rose-pink, magenta, or deep purple, often covering the entire flower mass. The flowers are long-lasting and form a dense, colourful puffball. The flowers have a waxy substance and are fragrant.
​Ethnobotany: While no specific ethnobotanical uses are commonly recorded for this species, many Dendrobium species from this region are used in local traditions as ornamentals and occasionally for traditional tonics.
​Differentiation: D. purpureum is distinguished from similar species in the Section Dendrocoryne by its unique, dense floral cluster:
​Versus D. capituliflorum: D. capituliflorum is similar but has white or pale yellow flowers, while D. purpureum is consistently rose-purple/magenta.
​Versus D. smillieae: D. smillieae is a larger plant with longer, pendulous inflorescences that are not as densely globose.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Dendrobium purpureum is a desirable hot to warm growing orchid that requires constant heat and moisture.
​Light: Needs bright, filtered light. Ample light is necessary for flowering, but shield from harsh midday sun.
​Substrate: Use an open, coarse, and fast-draining epiphytic mix of orchid bark, charcoal, and perlite.
​Watering: Water liberally and regularly year-round, allowing the medium to approach dryness between waterings. It does not require a dry rest.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 24-30 C (75-86 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A high minimum is required, ideally 18-20 C (64-68 F).
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) and good air circulation are necessary.
​✨ Unique Features
​This orchid is prized by collectors for its spectacular, dense, globose clusters of vibrant magenta-purple flowers that resemble small, colourful pompoms. Its fragrance and ability to thrive under consistent warm conditions make it a rewarding and reliable tropical bloomer.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: 3-5 canes, approaching flowering size.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium purpureum B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB