One of our star orchids this week is this fragrant orchid species is found on several islands in the Philippines. Dendrochilum glumaceum is restricted to mossy mountain forest and exposed summits where it is exposed to heavy rain and frequent mists and this determines our culture of the species.

As with any epiphyte evolved for mossy trees the key to successful cultivation is heavy watering especially during the growing season which with us is from February until about August.

The flowers are produced from the centre  of come the new growths in the spring and fill the greenhouse with scent. The flowers are long lasting and open slowly from the top of the thin spikes downwards. We avoid spraying the flowers with water to avoid damaging the thin petals which appear crystalline and translucent when seen in close up. (Photos below taken by Ben)