Bulbophyllum othonis

Bulbophyllum othonis (Kuntze) J.J. Sm. is a small epiphytic orchid native to the Philippines, particularly found in Luzon (Albay, Quezon, Polillo, Sorsogon) and Leyte. It grows in wet tropical forests, usually in the shaded understory, attached to trees where conditions are warm and humid.

Features:

• Small-sized plant with a creeping (prostrate) rhizome that produces subglobose pseudobulbs enveloped by large brown, striated sheaths.

• Each pseudobulb bears a single apical leaf: erect, thick/fleshy (carnose), ovate-lanceolate in shape; dark green on top, paler beneath.

• Flowering in summer: produces inflorescences that emerge from mature pseudobulbs, often one or two slender curved basal flower stalks, partially enveloped by brown bracts.

• Flowers: many small flowers arranged in an umbel-type cluster; the lateral sepals are long; the petals and labellum smaller. The sepals are more conspicuous.

Care Tips:

• Temperature: Warm to hot-growing. Since it comes from Philippines lowland wet forest, aim for daytime temperatures around 25-30 °C (77-86 °F) and avoid cold.

• Light: Filtered light; avoid direct midday sun. Shaded under-canopy conditions are ideal.

• Humidity: High humidity; ensure moisture is abundant. Mist regularly, or maintain in an environment with high ambient humidity.

• Watering: Keep roots moist, avoid letting medium dry out fully. But also ensure good drainage so roots are not waterlogged.

• Substrate / mounting: Epiphytic growing habit suggests that mounting on bark, cork, or similar surfaces works well. If potted, use a well-aerated, coarse bark mix.

• Airflow: Good air movement helps reduce rot or fungal issues in humid conditions.