About

Dracula chimaera is one of the most spectacular and bizarre of all the dracula orchids, producing large, pendant flowers to 20 cm across with long, drooping, tail-like sepal extensions and a dense, bristle-covered lip resembling a small mushroom cap. The extraordinary blooms are among the most visually dramatic in the orchid world. A prized specialist orchid for a cool, humid, shaded greenhouse.

About the genus

Dracula are cool-growing, epiphytic orchids from the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, producing pendant flower stems bearing distinctive, often triangular or mask-like flowers with elongated, tail-like sepal extensions. They require cool, humid, shaded conditions and are best grown in upturned baskets to allow the pendent flowering stems to hang freely.

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
PruningRemove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed as appropriate.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.