Bulbophyllum orientale

Bulbophyllum orientale is a species of orchid native to southern Yunnan, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2300 meters in evergreen montane forests, semi-deciduous forests, and savanna-like woodlands.

Features:

• Growth Habit: Bulbophyllum orientale is a small-sized, warm to cold-growing epiphyte with thick rhizomes and closely spaced, conical to ovoid pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb carries a single, coriaceous to subfleshy, oblong, petiolate leaf.

• Flowering: It produces a basal, arcuate, densely many-flowered inflorescence, enveloped by basal sheaths, with small flowers held below the leaf. The flowers are approximately 1 cm in size and bloom in late spring and summer.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light to mimic its natural habitat in the shaded understory of tropical forests. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.

• Temperature: This orchid thrives in warm temperatures, with a daytime range between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). At night, a drop of about 6–8°C (10–15°F) is beneficial for initiating flower buds and promoting stronger growth.

• Humidity: High humidity levels, ranging from 60% to 80%, are essential for optimal growth. Maintaining these levels can be achieved through humidity trays, misting, or using a humidifier.

• Watering: Water regularly to keep the medium moist, especially during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering slightly, but do not allow the medium to dry out completely. Use water low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.

• Air Circulation: Ensure good air movement to prevent fungal diseases and to mimic the natural breezes of its native habitat. This can be achieved by placing the plant near a fan or ensuring the growing area is well-ventilated.

• Potting Medium: Use a well-draining mix such as sphagnum moss, fine orchid bark, or mount on a suitable surface like cork or tree fern slabs. This allows for proper root aeration and moisture retention.