Description

Dinema polybulbon

Dinema polybulbon is the sole species in the genus Dinema, making it a monotypic genus. Orchid enthusiasts may also recognize this species under its former names, Epidendrum polybulbon and Encyclia polybulbon.

This charming miniature epiphytic orchid is native to Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, and Honduras. It produces a creeping, scrambling growth habit that makes it particularly well suited to mounted culture. We grow our plants mounted on cork under intermediate light and intermediate to warm temperatures, where they thrive. Although we once grew them in pots, they quickly scrambled out of their containers.

During a visit to Hawai‘i, we observed plants growing so vigorously outdoors that they appeared almost weedy in habit—a testament to their adaptability and vigor under suitable conditions. Of course, that’s Hawai‘i! 

Despite the plant’s miniature size, the flowers are surprisingly large, long-lasting, and fragrant. The scent has been described as sandalwood to clove-like, although we must admit we’re not always diligent about stopping to smell the orchids.

Plants are sympodial and produce small pseudobulbs, each carrying two leaves. The attractive star-shaped flowers are yellow and brown with a contrasting white lip. Their delicate beauty inspired a local artist to create silver castings from one of our blooms for use in necklaces and charms.

Easy to grow, vigorous, fragrant, and perfectly sized for a mounted orchid collection, Dinema polybulbon is a neat miniature species and will always be growing in our greenhouse.

You will receive a blooming-size division mounted on cork.