Name: Dracula diabola Luer & R.Escobar

Etymology: The genus name Dracula means “little dragon” and refers to the unusual, often animal-faced appearance of the flowers. The specific epithet diabola means “devilish” in sense and refers to the striking, dramatic appearance of the flower.

Origin/Distribution: Colombia.

Location/Habitat: The species grows epiphytically in very moist montane cloud forests. We recommend shade to partial shade with filtered light, high humidity, and continuous air movement. Cool to cool-temperate conditions of approximately 10–21 °C during the day and 6–14 °C at night are favorable. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures should be avoided.

Description and Notes: Dracula diabola has the typical pseudobulbless growth habit of the genus, with narrow, leathery leaves. The striking flowers feature elongated sepal tails and contrasting markings that give them a particularly distinctive appearance. We cultivate the species in an open basket with a fine, highly airy, and moisture-retaining substrate. We keep the roots evenly moist with water as soft as possible and pay particular attention to high humidity combined with very good air movement.