🇪🇨 Habitat and Ecology
Dracula saulii is a medium-sized, caespitose (clump-forming) epiphytic orchid native to Peru. It is found in dense montane cloud forests on the western slopes of the mountains at high elevations, typically ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 metres. This species is a true cool grower, thriving in an environment defined by constant, dense fog and high humidity, low-to-moderate light, and very cool night temperatures. Like all Dracula species, it lacks pseudobulbs, relying entirely on continuous atmospheric moisture.
🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
Commonly known as Saul's Dracula, this orchid is a robust perennial that lacks pseudobulbs, forming tufts of thin, erect stems (ramicauls).
 * Foliage: It produces tufts of thin, erect stems (ramicauls), each bearing a single, apical, erect, and plicate (pleated) leaf. The leaves are thin-textured and medium green.
 * Flowers (Morphology): The flowers emerge on pendent spikes from the base of the plant. The blooms are typical for the size of the plant, often measuring 5-6 cm (including the sepals' long tails). The sepals are triangular, often heavily spotted, and covered in fine hairs (pubescence), terminating in long, slender tails. The overall colour is a striking combination of yellowish-tan, rose, and purple spotting. The lip (labellum) is complex and fleshy, often appearing white or pale pink.
 * Ethnobotany: There is no significant known ethnobotanical use for this species, but other Dracula species share a fascinating relationship with small flies (Drosophilidae) that pollinate them by being deceived by the flower's lip, which mimics the appearance and smell of fungi.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Dracula saulii is a demanding cool-growing orchid that requires an unheated cool greenhouse or specialised orchidarium in the UK due to its intolerance of heat and low humidity.
 * Light: Requires heavy shade to moderate, filtered light. The leaves should always feel cool to the touch.
 * Substrate: It must be grown in a slatted basket or wire pot lined with long-fibre sphagnum moss to allow the pendent flower spikes to exit downwards and to ensure constant moisture.
 * Watering: The medium must be kept consistently moist to wet at all times; it should never dry out. Water frequently with tepid, soft water (rainwater is ideal).
 * Temperature: Cool temperatures are essential for survival and blooming.
   * Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-22 C (64-72 F).
   * Optimal Nighttime Temperature: Ideally 12-14 C (54-57 F).
 * Humidity: Very high humidity (75-90%+) and strong, constant air circulation are mandatory.
✨ Unique Features
This orchid is a connoisseur's prize for its highly intricate, bizarre flower morphology with long tails and delicate hairs. Its requirement for hanging basket culture and its dependence on stable, cool, misty cloud forest conditions make successfully blooming this species a mark of orchid mastery.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: As seen in the picture
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dracula saulii B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB