Epidendrum (Dinema) Polybulbon Lindl. 1826 is a botanical species described by Lindley in 1826, frequently attributed to the genera Epidendrum or Encyclia, relatively recently assigned to the monospecific genus (with a single species) Dinema.
It belongs to the tribe Epidendreae, subtribe Laeliinae, and the genus name, Dinema, represents the contraction of the word di - two and nema - thread, resulting in bifilar, two threads, referring to the two relatively long, thin appendages found at the end of the column.
The accepted synonyms for Dinema Polybulbon are: Bulbophyllum Occidentale Spreng 1827; Dinema Cubincola (Borhidi) H.Dietr. 1980; Dinema Polybulbon [Sw.]Lindley 1831; Epidendrum Cubincola Borhidi 1976 publ. 1977; *Epidendrum Polybulbon Sw. 1788; Epidendrum Polybulbon var. luteo-album Miethe.
They are miniature plants, of small stature, that populate epiphytic or lithophytic relatively humid oak forests at high altitudes, from 600 - 3200 m, in Central America and the Caribbean archipelago - more precisely in Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica. The ovoid to narrowly ovoid pseudobulbs, laterally compressed, greenish-yellow in color, bear 1-3 retuse leaves, inserted in the apical area, elliptic-lanceolate to elliptic-ovate in shape.
Flowering occurs from autumn to early spring, on mature pseudobulbs, in the form of long-petioled monofloral inflorescences (1.5 - 3 cm), apical, on which large fragrant flowers appear. The flower size is about 3 cm, offering an impressive appearance compared to the 6 - 7 cm of the pseudobulb (including leaves).
In cultivation, Epidendrum (Dinema) Polybulbon prefers cool to moderately warm media, with minimum values of 15.5 °C on winter nights and maximum values of 26.5 °C on summer days.
From the point of view of light radiation, it prefers diffuse light, with values around 21500 Lx, although some authors suggest higher intensity levels. However, it should be noted that the fragile leaves of this species can easily burn at higher light intensity values, so caution is recommended.
As watering, the preferred planting method must first be considered. If the specimens are mounted on bark or cork plaques, enough water will be applied to keep the growing medium moist. However, if potting is preferred, watering should be reduced, ensuring the substrate is only damp. In both cases, frequent misting and maintaining a high level of atmospheric humidity at root level reduce the pronounced evaporation of water from the fragile roots and small pseudobulbs.
Fertilization, done at high dilutions, of 1 teaspoon per 4 liters, will be applied with each watering.
The growing medium recommended consists of fine-grained bark, sometimes mixed with various other media, like dried fern. We also recommend coconut fiber, possibly mixed with peat (decomposed sphagnum moss) or even fresh or dried sphagnum. However, it will be necessary to carefully monitor watering to avoid overwatering.
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