Name: Dossinochilus Dreamcatcher
Etymology: Dossinochilus = hybrid genus from Dossinia and Anoectochilus; Dreamcatcher = dreamcatcher — refers to the delicate, net-like pattern of the leaf veins, which is reminiscent of a woven dreamcatcher net.
First description: This artificially created intergeneric hybrid (Dossinia marmorata × Anoectochilus brevilabris) was bred in 2004 by Leon Glicenstein (Hoosier Orchid Company) and officially registered with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Origin / Distribution: Garden hybrid (the two parent species originate from the shaded, moist forest floors of Southeast Asia and Borneo).
Location / Habitat: Culturally terrestrial. As a typical "jewel orchid," it grows under the conditions of the tropical forest floor – extremely shaded, very humid, warm, and in a loose, always slightly moist humus or moss bed.
Description & Notes: Dossinochilus Dreamcatcher is one of the most sought-after jewel orchids of all. It grows creeping along the substrate and forms fleshy, succulent rhizomes. The velvety, broadly elliptical leaves have a deep dark green to almost black base color and are crisscrossed by a spectacular, highly contrasting network of shimmering silver-white to reddish-pink veins ("lightning effect"). The underside of the leaves often shows a reddish-purple tint. The flowers appear on an upright, hairy inflorescence, but are rather inconspicuous compared to the foliage.
In cultivation, this exquisite hybrid strictly requires partial shade to shade conditions; direct sunlight immediately burns the delicate, velvety foliage. It is perfectly suited for closed terrariums, display cases, or bottle gardens, as it requires a constantly high relative humidity of over 70%. The substrate (preferably pure sphagnum moss or a very fine, airy mix of peat, perlite, and pine bark) must be kept evenly moist – however, waterlogging quickly leads to stem rot. It prefers warm to warm-intermediate temperatures year-round (ideal 18–25 °C) and should be watered exclusively with lime-free water (rainwater or reverse osmosis water).
