Reviewed public profile

Epidendrum polybulbon

Dinema polybulbon

Dinema polybulbon is a miniature, fragrant epiphytic (sometimes lithophytic) orchid native to the humid mountain forests of Mexico, Central America (Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama), and the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica). It thrives at elevations between 600 and 3,200 meters. Habitat: Humid mixed forests, specifically growing on trees (epiphytic) and rocks (lithophytic). Characteristics: Known for forming dense carpets of small, egg-shaped pseudobulbs. Synonyms: Often referred to by its older names, Epidendrum polybulbon or Encyclia polybulbon. This species is highly regarded for its compact size, making it ideal for terrariums and mounting, and it typically blooms in the winter to early spring.

Growing profile

At a glance

Plant type
orchid
Typical size
small 8–15cm
Humidity
60–90%

Native context

Distribution and habitat

Countries
Belize, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
Elevation
Submontane (500–1,000 m), Montane (1,000–2,000 m), Subalpine (2,000–3,000 m)
Flowering
Spring, Winter

Derived growing context

Climate range

Temperature profile
Cool → Warm
Mean temperature
11–22 °C
Day temperature
14–27 °C
Night temperature
6–19 °C
Summer mean
18–20 °C
Winter mean
12–15 °C
Temperature span
20 °C
Annual temperature swing
3–8 °C
Seasonality
Aseasonal, Monsoonal / wet-dry
Adaptability
Adaptable

Country map loads as it comes into view. The country list remains available here.

  • Belize
  • Cuba
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama

Country boundaries: Natural Earth, public domain.

Ecosystem evidence

Habitat-specific growing context

Rainforest

Consistently wet; high humidity

Latitude
Tropical
Moisture
Very humid
Elevation
Submont
Seasonality
Aseasonal
Mean temperature
22 °C
Day temperature
25 °C
Night temperature
19 °C
Annual temperature swing
3 °C

Cloud forest

Montane + saturated air; frequent fog/condensation

Latitude
Tropical
Moisture
Very humid
Elevation
Montane, Subalpine
Seasonality
Aseasonal
Mean temperature
11–17 °C
Day temperature
14–20 °C
Night temperature
8–14 °C
Annual temperature swing
3 °C

Wet forest

Very humid forest; frequent wetness

Latitude
Subtropical, Tropical
Moisture
Humid, Very humid
Elevation
Montane, Subalpine, Submont
Seasonality
Aseasonal
Mean temperature
11–22 °C
Day temperature
14–26 °C
Night temperature
7–19 °C
Annual temperature swing
3–8 °C

Moist forest

Moderately humid forest

Latitude
Subtropical, Tropical
Moisture
Humid, Moderate
Elevation
Montane, Subalpine, Submont
Seasonality
Aseasonal, Monsoonal / wet-dry
Mean temperature
11–22 °C
Day temperature
15–27 °C
Night temperature
6–18 °C
Annual temperature swing
3–8 °C

Dry forest

Seasonal dryness; drought periods common

Latitude
Subtropical
Moisture
Moderate
Elevation
Montane, Submont
Seasonality
Monsoonal / wet-dry
Mean temperature
13–18 °C
Day temperature
18–23 °C
Night temperature
9–14 °C
Annual temperature swing
8 °C

Seasonal context

  • Very small annual temperature swing; fairly consistent through the year
  • Likely wet/dry season pattern (common in tropical/subtropical regions)

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Stable BJURNY record: tx_3d79b6cef8534c81b36d