Den. purpureum albescens 'Soft Pink' x sib | BS not in bloom | 4" pot or Mounted

Dendrobium purpureum var. albescens 'Soft Pink' is an incredibly charming and highly distinct color form of this beloved, hot-growing species native to the South Pacific. While the standard form is known for its intense, electric-purple hues, the albescens variety offers a beautifully softened, pastel alternative, with the select cultivar 'Soft Pink' delivering a subtle, glowing warmth that stands out beautifully in any collection.

The flowering habit of this species is nothing short of spectacular. Instead of blooming from the top of the plant, it produces tight, dense, globe-like clusters of up to 50 small, glossy flowers packed symmetrically around the nodes of its mature, older canes. In this choice color form, the crystalline, needle-shaped flowers are a pristine, translucent white to pale cream, beautifully tipped with a delicate blush of soft cotton-candy pink at the apexes of the petals and sepals.

Cultivation & Growth Profile

• Growth Habit: A robust and unique grower producing tall, slender, reed-like pseudobulbs that feature a slightly flattened, angular architecture. The canes retain their lush foliage for the first couple of years before dropping their leaves to prepare for a lifetime of blooming from the bare, mature wood.

• Bloom Style: Flowers emerge in dense, cauliflower-like spheres directly from the sides of older, leafless canes. It is exceptionally free-flowering, and because the old pseudobulbs can bloom repeatedly for several years, a mature specimen will routinely burst into multiple simultaneous "snowballs" of color. The waxy, heavy-substanced flowers are incredibly long-lasting, frequently staying in perfect condition for six to eight weeks.

• Culture Preferences: Thrives in intermediate to warm conditions and loves bright, filtered light (standard Cattleya to bright Dendrobium conditions). It prefers to be tucked into relatively small clay or plastic pots with a well-aerated, fast-draining medium like medium bark or charcoal.

• Watering & Feeding: Unlike deciduous species, Den. purpureum does not require a strict or prolonged dry winter rest. It enjoys heavy watering and frequent fertilization throughout the hot spring and summer growing months, followed by a slight reduction in water and fertilizer during the cooler winter months—just enough to let the medium dry down briefly between waterings.

For enthusiasts who appreciate unique cauliflorous (stem-blooming) orchid habits or collectors looking for a rare, pastel-toned variation of a classic species, Dendrobium purpureum var. albescens 'Soft Pink' offers an elegant, high-impact display and exceptional flower longevity.

ATTENTION:

Please review our Shipping Policies here before ordering Shipping Policies

While we take great care in our packaging and shipping plants sometimes do get damaged in shipping. We do our best to protect all plants but cannot guarantee that no damage will occur. As these are live plants, please open your order quickly after receiving it. We suggest an anti-fungal treatment after unpacking your plants, such as Physan or other over-the-counter treatments. Please adhere to all manufacturer guidelines and dosages. Follow that with 1-2 days of drying before the first watering.

Please contact us with any issues with your order within three days.