Den. laevifolium

This little gem, Dendrobium laevifolium, is a perfect example of how amazing things can come in small packages. This is a species that hails from the high-altitude cloud forests of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Santa Cruz Islands. It grows as an epiphyte on mossy tree branches and trunks at elevations ranging from 2,000 all the way up to a breathtaking 7,500 ft. Living in the clouds means it's accustomed to very high humidity, good air movement, and cool to intermediate temperatures. It gets drenched by frequent rainfall but dries off quickly in the mountain breezes.

What makes this species so impressive is the sheer flower power packed into such a tiny plant. The flowers are an intense, vibrant fuchsia, magenta, or violet that almost seems to glow. They have a waxy, crystalline texture that makes them look like precious jewels. Each bloom is about 1 in. across and pops out on short inflorescences from the upper nodes of the canes. And the longevity is legendary—we're not talking weeks, we're talking months. A single flower can last in perfect form for six to nine months, which is just staggering. It’s no wonder this species has received numerous awards from the American Orchid Society, with many cultivars earning a First Class Certificate (FCC/AOS), the highest honor for flower quality.

The plant itself is a true miniature, forming attractive, clumping mats over time. It produces small, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, typically only 1-3 in. tall, which become grooved or furrowed with age. Each pseudobulb is topped with two to four fleshy, elliptic to ovate, deep green leaves. The leaves are persistent and have a smooth, almost leathery texture (laevifolium means "smooth-leaved"). It's a free-flowering species, capable of blooming at various times throughout the year, but often puts on its biggest show from late summer into the fall. It's a plant where the flowers can easily outsize the pseudobulbs they grow from.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, filtered light. An east-facing window or location with dappled morning sun is excellent. Avoid direct, hot midday sun. Light levels similar to those for Cattleya are appropriate.

Water: This species requires high-quality water (rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis is preferred) and must be kept consistently moist. It does not tolerate drying out completely due to its fine root system and cloud forest origins. Water frequently, but ensure perfect drainage.

Temperature: Cool to intermediate conditions are essential. Ideal daytime temperatures are 70-80°F, with a nighttime drop to 55-65°F. It can tolerate cooler nights, which often encourages blooming.

Humidity: High humidity, 60-80%, is critical for success. If grown indoors, a humidifier or a humid growing environment like a terrarium is highly recommended. Constant air movement is necessary to prevent rot in such humid conditions.

Potting Medium: Due to its need for moisture and perfect drainage, Dendrobium laevifolium thrives when mounted on cork, tree fern, or a similar substrate with a pad of sphagnum moss around the roots. If potted, use a very small pot with a fine-grade, airy mix like sphagnum moss and perlite or fine fir bark. Repot only when necessary, as it dislikes root disturbance.

Offered in 3" pots.