Dendrobium pulchellum

Dendrobium pulchellum, commonly known as charming dendrobium, is an orchid native to Southeast Asia. It blooms during winter and early spring, requiring cooler temperatures for growth and development. This species is found in deciduous forests across Assam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other regions of South East Asia.

The plant grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte, attaching to tree barks or rocks. Its flowers are large, white with purple and yellow pigments, fragrant, and up to 3-4 inches in diameter. The leaves are broad, fragile, and larger than those of other sub-species, erect when young but drooping as they age.

Dendrobium pulchellum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its seed germination is crucial for hybrid production, which enhances genetic diversity. Symbiotic protocorms develop more efficiently than asymbiotic methods, with fungal compatibility playing a key role in successful propagation. This orchid's habitat and ecological requirements highlight its adaptation to specific environmental conditions, making it an important subject in horticulture and conservation studies.