Leopard Orchid Dendrobium gracilicaule

Leopard orchid is a tropical, epiphytic (or lithophytic) herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to Australia and islands of the western Pacific, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. The species epithet is taken from the Latin for “slender stem.”

The growing conditions are like those for hard-cane dendrobiums, such as D. phalaenopsis and its hybrids. It needs bright light (a south-facing window is good), warm to intermediate temperatures, and frequent watering during the growing season. When the plant is dormant, the watering should be greatly reduced. A distinct day and night fluctuation in temperature (70 to 85 degrees F in the day and 60 to 70 degrees F at night) encourages flowering, so plants grown in a home with a constant temperature may not flower well.

The leopard orchid is grown for its bright, showy, fragrant flowers. The plant has cylindrical, yellowish green, spotted pseudobulbs, which are the inspiration for the common name. 

This is an easy-to-grow, houseplant or greenhouse orchid. It can spend its summers outdoors.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: These plants have few problems. They are generally not affected by pests, but watch for mealybugs. Insufficient light results in non-blooming.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Dendrobium.