Dracula mantissa

A cool-growing epiphytic orchid from the cloud forests of Ecuador, forming a compact clump of erect, linear-lanceolate leaves. It produces pendant flowers on drooping scapes that emerge laterally from the base of the plant, with fused sepals forming a concave triangular structure terminating in elongated dark tails and a small, mushroom-shaped labellum at the center — a defining feature of the genus.

• Light: Low to medium indirect light with 60–80% shade cloth; avoid any direct sun, which can rapidly damage the delicate foliage and flowers.
• Temperature: 45–65°F (7–18°C); a cool grower that requires consistently cold temperatures and excellent air circulation — heat is the primary threat to this species.
• Humidity: 80–95%; very high humidity is essential at all times; a slight drop during the day with recovery at night mimics natural cloud forest conditions.
• Watering: Keep the medium evenly moist at all times; never allow to dry out, but ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Additional Notes

Must be grown in a basket or open container to allow the pendant flower scapes to emerge downward freely. Offered as a well-established plant of 10–15 cm, shipped bare root. A rewarding species for growers with cool, humid conditions.