Epidendrum (Dinema) Polybulbon Lindl. 1826 is a botanical species described by Lindley in 1826, frequently attributed to the genera Epidendrum or Encyclia, and more 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.
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.
These are tiny, small-sized plants that grow epiphytically or lithophytically in relatively moist oak forests at high altitudes of 600 - 3200 m in Central America and the Caribbean archipelago—specifically in Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica. The ovate to narrowly ovate, laterally compressed pseudobulbs, greenish-yellow in color, bear 1-3 blunt 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, bearing large, fragrant flowers. 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 environments, with minimum temperatures of 15.5 °C on winter nights and maximum temperatures of 26.5 °C on summer days.
In terms of light radiation, it prefers diffuse light, around 21500 Lx, although some authors suggest higher intensity levels. However, it should be noted that the delicate leaves of this species can easily burn at higher light intensities, so caution is advised.
As for watering, the preferred planting method must first be considered. If the specimens are mounted on bark or cork plaques, enough water should be given 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 excessive evaporation from the fragile roots and small pseudobulbs.
Fertilization, done at high dilutions, 1 teaspoon per 4 liters, should be applied with each watering.
The recommended growing medium consists of fine-grained bark, sometimes mixed with various other media, such as dried fern. We also recommend coconut fiber, possibly mixed with peat (decomposed sphagnum moss) or even fresh or dried sphagnum. However, watering must be carefully monitored to avoid overwatering.
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