Dendrobium papilio - large flower form

The wild-type form of this Philippine species typically produces smaller (4 cm) star-shaped flowers. The plants offered here represent the large-flowered form we commonly refer to as the "Fischer's Strain," as we believe we were the first nursery to cultivate and distribute this exceptional type.

This species produces elegant canes up to 3 feet tall, which may be staked when grown in pots or allowed to hang pendulously when mounted. The contrast in this orchid is remarkable: delicate, slender canes and foliage are paired with thick, robust roots and impressive flowers measuring 10–12 cm across. Like many species in this group, it is deciduous and will shed leaves from older growths prior to or during the blooming season.

This particular batch was created by crossing a plant from our Fischer's Strain with the outstanding specimen 'Vistamont', grown by Cindy Hill and awarded both an AM/AOS and CCE/AOS. It took several pollination attempts by Tom Perlite before this cross was successfully achieved, making it a true labor of love. Like our strain, 'Vistamont' is also a large-flowered form of papilio.

We are offering well-established seedlings (shown in last photo) that have recently been potted into 3-inch pots. We expect them to reach blooming size by 2028. Flowering can occur over a broad season, with plants blooming anytime from spring through winter.