Bulbophyllum hirundinis

Bulbophyllum hirundinis is a miniature epiphytic orchid native to south-central and southeastern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It typically grows on tree trunks in shaded forests at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters.

Features:

• Miniature in size, it grows from small, grooved, ovate pseudobulbs carrying a single, thick leaf.

• Typically found on tree trunks in shaded forests, at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters.

• Flowers in summer to spring, producing umbels of 4–10 spidery flowers, each about 2 cm (¾ inch) wide, atop a slender inflorescence approximately 6 cm (2⅜ inches) long.

Care Tips:

Light

• Prefers bright, filtered light—think shaded sunlight through an east or north-facing window. Avoid harsh direct light.

Temperature

• Thrives in intermediate to warm conditions: daytime ~60–80 °F (16–27 °C) with a modest drop at night to around 15–18 °C (60–64 °F).

Watering & Humidity

• Keep the growing medium lightly but consistently moist—do not let it dry out completely, especially during growth and flowering.

• Maintain high humidity, ideally between 60–80%, and ensure excellent air circulation to reduce the risk of rot.

Potting & Mounting

• Use a well-draining, airy mix—examples include sphagnum moss, fine bark, or perlite blends.

• This species adapts well to both mounting on cork or tree fern slabs and being grown in shallow pots.

Repotting

• Refresh the potting medium every 2–3 years or when it’s breaking down. Best done at the start of new growth (typically late winter).

Feeding

• Use a diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer during the growth period—approximately every 2 weeks.