🇵🇭 Habitat and Ecology
​Dendrobium schrautii is a medium-sized, epiphytic orchid native to Vietnam. Some sources cinsider it conspecific with Dendrobium cariniferum. It is found growing on tree trunks and branches in tropical wet forests at moderate elevations, typically around 1,000 metres. This orchid is a warm to intermediate grower that requires high humidity and bright, filtered light year-round.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is a sympodial perennial that forms small to medium-sized clusters.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces slender, cane-like pseudobulbs (stems) that are typically sheathed when young. The leaves are persistent, leathery, and elliptic to oblong.
​Flowers: The spectacular flowers are upside down and borne on short, terminal or axillary spikes that emerge near the apex of the mature canes, usually in late winter to spring. The blooms are medium-sized (4-6 cm wide).
​Aesthetics: The flowers are noted for their vibrant and complex colouration: the sepals and petals are typically creamy-white or pale yellow-green, sometimes tinged with pink. The prominent lip (labellum) is large, often trumpet-shaped, and is patterned with red. The flowers have a waxy substance and are fragrant.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Dendrobium schrautii is a manageable intermediate to warm growing orchid that can be successfully grown on a bright windowsill or in a warm conservatory in the UK.
​Light: Requires bright, filtered light. Ample light is necessary for robust cane growth and heavy 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 during the active growth period (spring to autumn), allowing the medium to dry almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering slightly in winter, but it does not require a harsh dry rest.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-27 C (70-81 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A small drop is beneficial, ideally 16-18 C (61-64 F).
​Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (55-75%) and good air circulation are necessary.
​✨ Unique Features
​This orchid is highly valued for its spectacular lip pattern—upside down fragrant flowers and intensely red. Its reliable, fragrant blooms and manageable size make it a rewarding and attractive specimen for the intermediate orchid collector.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: 3-5 canes in 9-10 cm pots
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dendrobium schrautii B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB