🇪🇨 Habitat and Ecology
​Dracula sibundoyensis is a rare, small to medium-sized, caespitose (clump-forming) epiphytic orchid native to the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. It is found in dense montane cloud forests 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. The species name refers to the Sibundoy Valley in the Putumayo Department of Colombia, near where it was first discovered. Like all Dracula species, it lacks pseudobulbs, relying entirely on continuous atmospheric moisture.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​Commonly known as the Sibundoy Valley 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 typically large for the size of the plant, often measuring 10-15 cm (including the sepals' long tails). The sepals are triangular, densely spotted, and covered in fine hairs (pubescence), terminating in long, slender tails. The overall colour is a striking combination of yellowish-tan or pale rose with dark purple or maroon spotting. The lip (labellum) is complex, fleshy, and 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.
​Differentiation: Dracula sibundoyensis is closely related to species like Dracula chimaera. It is distinguished by the specific morphology of the petals and the smaller size of the flower and lip. Its unique dense spotting pattern and consistently shorter stems are also key identifiers.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Dracula sibundoyensis is a demanding cool-growing orchid that requires a 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: divisions from our stock plant.  Plants in 10 cm aquatic pots
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Dracula sibundoyensis B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB