Dracula bellerophon

A cool-growing epiphytic orchid from the cloud forests of the Andean region, popularly known as the Monkey Face Orchid for the unmistakable primate-like face formed by the arrangement of its lip, column, and papillose-ciliate sepals within the triangular flower. Each bloom hangs on a pendant inflorescence and displays long, thread-like sepal tails that frame the monkey face with dramatic elegance.

• Light: Bright indirect light with 60–80% shade cloth; avoid any direct sun, which rapidly overheats this cool-growing species.
• Temperature: 50–68°F (10–20°C); a strict cool grower that requires consistently cool temperatures and good airflow year-round. Avoid temperatures above 75°F (24°C).
• Humidity: 80–95%; very high humidity is essential — this species thrives in near-saturated cloud forest conditions.
• Watering: Keep roots consistently moist but never waterlogged; excellent drainage and airflow are critical to prevent rot in the high-humidity environment this species requires.

Additional Notes

Best grown in a basket or mounted to allow the pendant inflorescences to hang freely downward. Use a fine, open mix of sphagnum moss or fine bark with excellent drainage. Shipped bare root, well-established.