Bulbophyllum pecten-veneris

Bulbophyllum pecten-veneris (Gagnep.) Seidenf. is a small epiphytic orchid native to parts of China (e.g. Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Hong Kong), as well as Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It grows in evergreen lowland forest, often on trees, up to about 1,200–1,500 meters elevation.

Features:

• Small-sized, warm-to-cool growing epiphyte with a creeping, branching rhizome and closely spaced (0.5-1 cm apart) wrinkled, ovoid-globose pseudobulbs.

• Each pseudobulb bears a single apical leaf: erect, ovate-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, somewhat rigid and coriaceous.

• Flowering on a basal, umbel-type inflorescence arising from mature pseudobulbs; inflorescence ~10 cm long, bearing 3-9 flowers that open simultaneously. Flowers vary in color (greenish-yellow, yellow brown-suffused, orange, or red tones).

• Sepals & petals: dorsal sepal ovate with pointed apex; lateral sepals are long, diverging; petals smaller, margins sometimes hairy; labellum fleshy. Flower lifespan ~7-10 days.

Care Tips:

• Temperature: Intermediate to warm; daytime temps around 20-30 °C, nights cooler but avoid dropping below ~15 °C.

• Light: Bright but filtered light; avoid harsh direct sunlight. Partial shade (forest understory conditions) works well.

• Humidity & moisture: High humidity (70-85%+); keep substrate moist but with good drainage. Water more in warm periods; allow slight drying (not complete) during cooler or less active seasons.

• Substrate / Mounting: Use well-draining epiphytic mix, such as fine to medium bark with sphagnum, or mount on bark/cork; good air circulation around roots helps prevent rot.