Bulbophyllum obyrnei

Bulbophyllum obyrnei is a rare miniature orchid from New Guinea’s lower montane forests, featuring slender nodulose rhizomes, small ovate leathery leaves, and striking deep-purple 6 mm flowers with a glandular-hairy lip. Typically blooming in the fall, it thrives as an intermediate-growing epiphyte.

Features:

• Size & Growth: A miniature epiphytic orchid with a nodulose, slender rhizome and nearly sessile, ovate leathery leaves approximately 1 cm long by 0.6 cm wide.

• Flower Characteristics: Bears deep-purple flowers about 0.6 cm in diameter, with acuminate sepals and petals and a distinctive glandular-hairy lip.

• Habitat & Distribution: Found in lower montane forests of New Guinea (Malesia region), thriving in warm and humid forest environments.

• Flowering Period: Typically blooms in the fall (around October).

• Cultivation Classification: Categorized as an intermediate-growing epiphyte.

Care Tips:

• Temperature & Humidity: Aim for warm growing conditions with daytime temperatures between 20 °C and 27 °C (70 °F – 80 °F), and a 6 °C (10 °F) drop at night. Keep humidity high—around 60% to 90%—to mimic its natural moist habitat.

• Light Requirements: Provide shaded but bright, indirect light—approximately 1000 to 1500 foot-candles. Avoid harsh direct sun that could damage foliage.

• Watering Strategy: Maintain a consistently moist growing medium; water as the medium nears dryness, but avoid letting it fully dry out or sit in standing water to prevent root rot.

• Potting Medium & Mounting: Use a well-draining, airy mix—such as fine bark, sphagnum moss, or tree fern fiber. Given its epiphytic nature, mounting on cork or tree fern can enhance airflow and mimic natural habitat.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer at quarter to half strength regularly during active growth. Reduce frequency during less vigorous periods.