Habitat and Ecology
 
​Dendrobium scabrilingue, commonly known as the Rough-Lipped Dendrobium, is a small-sized epiphytic orchid native to Indochina, with a distribution including Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Southern China (Yunnan). It grows on tree trunks and shrubs at forest margins in uplands and deciduous dry forests at elevations typically between 600 and 1,220 metres. This orchid is adapted to a monsoon climate, requiring intense water and heat during the growing season, followed by a cool, bright, and semi-dry winter rest to initiate its long-lasting, fragrant blooms.
 
​Description
 
​This orchid is a small, sympodial perennial that forms tufted, dense clumps. It produces slender, erect, fusiform (spindle-shaped) pseudobulbs (15-30 cm long) that are often deeply ribbed and covered in fine black hairs when young (a trait of the Formosae section). Each cane carries two to six persistent, leathery leaves near the apex. The flowers are produced on short, axillary spikes near the apex of the mature canes, typically blooming in winter and spring and lasting for a long time. The blooms are medium-sized (3-4 cm wide), waxy, and spreading, usually creamy-white or pale yellow-green. The distinguishing feature is the lip (labellum), which is large, often tubular, and scabrous (rough or covered in minute hairs), with a central disc that is typically marked with yellow or orange/reddish veins. The flowers are extremely fragrant, often possessing a clean, sweet scent.
 
​Cultivation
 
​Dendrobium scabrilingue is a cool-to-warm growing orchid that requires a strong, bright rest period to flower well. It needs bright, high, filtered light; high light intensity is crucial, especially when leafless in winter. It grows well mounted on cork bark or potted in a fine, fast-draining medium (bark, charcoal, and perlite), preferring to be in the smallest pot possible. A clear seasonal cycle is needed: water heavily during the spring/summer growing season. In winter, watering should be restricted and feeding stopped to encourage blooming.
 
​Optimal Daytime Temperature (Growing Season): 25-30 C (77-86 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Winter Rest): A cool drop is necessary, ideally 11-14 C (52-57 F).
​High humidity (60-80%) and strong air circulation are essential. Water with tepid, soft water.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This orchid is a great choice for the enthusiast, highly valued for its long-lasting, highly fragrant flowers that provide a sweet, clean scent in the winter months. Its most unique trait is the scabrous (rough-textured) lip (the source of its name) and its waxy, elegant white and yellow colour combination. The presence of fine black hairs on the pseudobulbs makes it visually interesting year-round.
 
​Specifications
​Plant Size: As can be seen in the picture
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Dendrobium scabrilingue B 140084 C [user input] D GB