Dracula woolwardiae

A cool-growing epiphytic orchid from the cloud forests of Ecuador, producing pendant flowers on drooping scapes from the base of the plant. The concave lateral sepals and hooded dorsal sepal bear dense irregular mottling and are strongly ciliate-fimbriate along the margins — the most distinctive feature of this species — with slender elongated tails and a prominent mushroom-shaped labellum at the center.

• 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 highly collectible species prized for its intricate mottling and dramatically fringed floral margins.