Dendrobium pentapterum
Dendrobium pentapterum – Technical Data Sheet
Origin and Classification
Scientific name: Dendrobium pentapterum Schltr.
Origin: New Guinea, Papua, Philippines, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid mountain forests (500–2,000 m in altitude).
Natural habitat: Humid tropical forests, on tree trunks or branches, in a cool and misty climate.
Classification: Orchidaceae family, Epidendroideae subfamily, Malaxideae tribe, Dendrobiinae subtribe.
Special feature: Nicknamed "Five-Winged Dendrobium" for its star-shaped, often multicolored flowers (white, pink, purple, yellow), and its abundant blooming.
Appearance
Size: Small to medium (10–30 cm in height).
Pseudobulbs: Thin and pendant, green or yellowish (10–20 cm long).
Leaves: Lanceolate, leathery, dark green, narrow (3–8 cm long).
Roots: Fine, adapted to hanging basket or mounted culture.
Flowers
Shape: Flowers in short and dense clusters, star-shaped with five petals.
Color: White, pink, purple, yellow, often with a darker or spotted lip. Some varieties may feature bicolor or striated flowers.
Fragrance: Light, floral.
Flower size: 3–4 cm in diameter.
Blooming period: Year-round (peak in spring–summer).
Bloom duration: 3–4 weeks per flower.
Cultivation
Temperature
Day: 18–25°C.
Night: 12–16°C (a day/night drop of 6–8°C promotes blooming).
Humidity
Ideal rate: 60–75% year-round.
Tip: Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to maintain humidity in dry indoor environments.
Light
Intensity: 15,000–25,000 lux (filtered and indirect light).
Ideal source: East or north window, or artificial lighting (horticultural LEDs).
To avoid: Direct sunlight during hot hours.
Watering
Growth period (spring–summer): Regular watering (every 2–3 days), letting the substrate dry out slightly between waterings.
Rest period (autumn–winter): Reduce to 1–2 times per week, without letting it dry out completely.
Method: Soaking or watering from above with soft water.
Substrate
Hanging basket: Highly draining mix – fine bark (60%), sphagnum moss (30%), charcoal (10%).
Alternative: Mounting on a tree fern or cork plaque, with a layer of sphagnum moss.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years, in spring, when new roots appear [orchids.fandom.com].
Fertilization
Growth period: Balanced fertilizer (20-20-20), diluted to ¼ strength, every week.
Rest period: Reduce to every 2–3 weeks in winter.
Tips for Successful Cultivation
To maximize blooming: Maintain a distinct day/night temperature drop and a light winter rest period (reduced watering). Cultivate in a hanging basket to allow the flower spikes to hang freely.
Additional Remarks
Dendrobium pentapterum is a miniature and free-flowering species, ideal for collectors of Asian orchids or terrariums.
A lot of 15 plants allows for consistent grouped cultivation in hanging baskets, creating an abundant and colorful bloom year-round.
Perfect for intermediate greenhouses, display cases, or for indoor growing under artificial light.