Bulbophyllum alkmaarense

Bulbophyllum alkmaarense J.J.Sm. (1911) is a recognized species of the genus Bulbophyllum, belonging to section Codonosiphon. Native to the Maluku Islands (Moluccas) and New Guinea, this miniature epiphyte inhabits humid forests at medium to high elevations, typically between 1,500 and 2,500 meters.

Features:

• Growth Type: A mini-miniature epiphytic orchid, characterized by a creeping, branching rhizome with globose to ovoid pseudobulbs spaced about 1 cm apart.

• Leaves: Each pseudobulb bears a single, leathery, ovate leaf—often sessile or nearly so.

• Flowers: Produces a single flower from the base of each pseudobulb. The bloom is about 2–2.5 cm across, with a short pedicel (~1.6 cm).

  • Linear, pointed sepals (~1.4 cm), colored purple with white margins.

  • Small, falcate petals (~0.3–0.4 cm).

  • Curved yellow labellum, around 0.9 cm long.

Care Tips:

Climate & Placement

• Temperature: Cool to cold-growing. Found naturally at elevations 1500–2500 m.

• Light: Prefers semi-shaded conditions, mimicking misty forest understories—bright, indirect light is ideal.

• Humidity & Airflow: Requires high humidity (80–85%) and excellent air circulation to prevent rot.

Watering & Growth

• Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist. Water frequently in spring through autumn; only slightly reduce in winter—but never let it dry out completely. Use rainwater, demineralized, or reverse osmosis water for best results.

Mounting & Substrate

• Mounting Preference: Best grown mounted on cork, tree fern, bark, or arborescent fern rafts. This setup allows rhizomes to crawl and pseudobulbs to expand naturally. A bit of sphagnum at the base helps maintain humidity in drier conditions.

Fertilizer

• Feeding: Apply a quarter-strength balanced orchid fertilizer weekly during the growing season. No resting period is needed—continue light feeding through winter.