Dendrophylax lindenii - a Leafless Orchid!

Uncover the secrets of the captivating Dendrophylax lindenii, also known as the Ghost Orchid, with our exclusive offering of seedlings. These extraordinary plants defy conventional botanical norms by engaging in photosynthesis through their roots, showcasing an unparalleled adaptation to their unique environment. Originating from the lush landscapes of Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas, these slow-growing wonders pose a challenge even for the most experienced orchid enthusiasts.

Our Dendrophylax lindenii seedlings are meticulously measured, ensuring each plant boasts a minimum of two to three roots. These orchids are not for the faint-hearted and are not recommended as gift plants unless the recipient is well-versed in the art of cultivating these botanical marvels.

Thriving in lowland, swampy areas, Ghost Orchids flourish when draped over the smooth trunks of native royal palms or the rugged bark of oaks and ash trees. Their leafless nature demands meticulous care, including daily misting, high humidity, and the use of pure water, such as rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water.

These rare and scarcely seen plants are in high demand due to their difficulty in cultivation. Please note that Dendrophylax Lindenii is not recommended for those new to orchid care.

Dendrophylax Lindenii, a miniature orchid native to Florida and Cuba, is characterized by its distinctive flower shape and color, with white lips and petals and light green inner petals. Notably, this orchid stands out for its complete lack of leaves.

Flowers bloom from late winter through summer, with tubular bracts sheathing flowered racemes. Flowers open in succession, usually one or two at a time, and emit a nocturnal fragrance.

Cultivating Tips:

• Light Requirements: Provide a light level of 20000-30000 lux, ensuring moderately bright, filtered, or scattered light. Protect them from direct sunlight at noon and maintain strong air movement.

• Temperature: Keep temperatures between 32-33°C during the day and 21-22°C at night, with a daily amplitude of 11°C. In winter, maintain daytime temperatures at 26°C and night temperatures at 12-13°C.

• Humidity: Ghost Orchids thrive in humidity levels of 70-75% throughout the year.

• Substrate and Growing Media: Preserve their fleshy roots by maintaining them on the branches of their original hosts. Reconstruct their layout on bark, tree ferns, or branches by carefully attaching climbing roots to a moist surface using wire or thread.

• Watering: During active growth, water abundantly every 2 to 3 days, using rainwater or distilled water exclusively. In late autumn, reduce watering, but do not let the plants stay dry for extended periods.

• Fertilizer: Apply 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of orchid fertilizer every week during active growth. Use sustainable fertilizers throughout the year, adjusting nitrogen content in spring to mid-summer and phosphorus in late summer and autumn.

• Rest Period: In winter, when rainfall decreases, provide extra moisture through dew. While the plants have lower water requirements, ensure they do not completely dry out.

Successful cultivation of Dendrophylax Lindenii requires specific conditions, differing from typical orchid care practices. When fertilizing, it is advised to use a 1/4 strength solution or even lighter for misting the plant.

This plant is about 1" roots mounted in a 3 x 3 in wood slab, about 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!.

Witness the beauty of Dendrophylax lindenii, a botanical marvel challenging the norms of orchid cultivation. Though not for the faint-hearted, the rewards of nurturing these Ghost Orchids are unparalleled. Order your seedlings today and embark on a journey into the mysterious world of leafless wonders!