Dendrobium tortile

Description

Dendrobium tortile, “the twisted dendrobium”, is native to SE Asia and is a small rather sprawling plant and quite a vigorous grower.   D. tortile blooms in the late winter and early spring from the upper nodes producing showy, fragrant, purple flowers.  I love how the lavender petals are twisted, and the lip is like a large white trumpet which accentuates the flower beautifully.  The flowers are shiny and quite large for the plant’s size.  Section Dendrobium.

Water and fertilize liberally in summer, and back off for a slightly drier winter rest to initiate blooming in the early spring.

Temperature:  Intermediate-Cool

Light:  Moderate

Water:  Water well in summer, back off in winter