Name: Dendrobium capituliflorum Rolfe

Etymology: The genus name Dendrobium is derived from Greek and is composed of dendron for "tree" and bios for "life" – meaning "living on trees." The specific epithet capituliflorum means "head-flowered" and refers to the densely packed flower clusters.

Origin/Distribution: New Guinea and adjacent island regions.

Location/Habitat: The species grows epiphytically in moist tropical forests. We recommend bright, filtered light, high humidity, and very good air circulation. Warm-temperate conditions of approximately 18–29 °C during the day and 14–21 °C at night are favorable. During the growing season, we keep the roots regularly moist, but never constantly wet.

Description and Notes: Dendrobium capituliflorum forms slender, leafy shoots. Particularly attractive are the densely packed, somewhat rounded flower clusters that can appear on the shoots. We cultivate the species in a coarse, very airy orchid substrate or mounted, provided there is sufficiently high humidity. We water regularly with the softest water possible and reduce watering somewhat when growth slows, without forcing a strict dry rest period.