Dendrobium cultratum originates from low altitude, tropical areas of Indonesia and the Philippine Islands. Therefore the orchid thrives well at very high temperatures (24-30 degrees Celsius at night). The knife-shaped leaves adjust to the temperature of the environment. When temperatures rise, the leaves become more fleshy. Notable about Dendrobium cultratum is that the two paired leaves always form a 'V-shape' together, followed by the next pair of leaves in the same shape. The small, usually dark red flower appears on a short 1 - 2 cm flower stem next to the leaves and blooms from late autumn till early winter. The orchid is also called ‘Aporum cultratum’ or ‘Oxystophyllum cultratum’.

Dendrobium cultratum grows best when temperatures and humidity are high. Set the temperature to be at 24-30 degrees Celsius at night and during the day even higher. Alterations between night and day time temperatures will encourage blooming. During the blooming season the plants needs a small amount of water, during the resting period the orchid requires almost no water at all. Supply enough light and a suitable soil mix. Araflora recommends a special orchid mix based on pine bark, see "pine bark course" (orchid bark).