Bulbophyllum polyrrhizum

Bulbophyllum polyrrhizum is a miniature orchid species native to the subtropical montane forests of the eastern Himalayas, including regions in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and southern China (Yunnan). This orchid is very small, making it perfect for terrariums where space and humidity can be carefully controlled.

Features:

• Growth Habit: This species is an epiphytic herb with a creeping rhizome approximately 1.5 mm in diameter, rooting from the base of pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs are spaced 5–10 mm apart on the rhizome, ovoid in shape, measuring 7–10 mm in length and 5–7 mm in diameter. Each pseudobulb supports a single terminal leaf.

• Inflorescence: The plant produces a slender scape 8–12 cm long from the base of leafless pseudobulbs. The raceme is 3–6 cm long, sparsely bearing many small flowers. The peduncle is approximately 1 mm in diameter, with 2 or 3 bract-like sheaths. Floral bracts are ovate, small, about 1.5 mm in length, with acute apices.

• Flowers: The flowers are yellowish-green and widely opening. The dorsal sepal is subovate, concave, approximately 4 × 2 mm, with a subacute apex. Lateral sepals are ovate-lanceolate, about 4.5 × 2 mm, with acute apices. Petals are ovate-triangular, 2.3–2.5 × 1.2–1.3 mm, with acute apices. The lip is reflexed, suboblong, approximately 3 × 0.8 mm, adaxially densely minutely papillate, grooved at the adaxial base, attached to the end of the column foot, immobile, with an obtuse-acute apex. The column is about 1.2 mm long, with a foot approximately 1 mm long. Stelidia are obliquely triangular-subulate.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright to shaded conditions, with light levels between 2,000–3,000 footcandles (bright indirect light with strong shadowing).

• Temperature: Tolerant of a range of temperatures, favoring cool conditions.

• Watering: Requires moist conditions, with 3–5 waterings per week. It's important to let the plant dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.

• Mounting: Due to its epiphytic nature, it is best grown mounted on a slab or in a well-draining orchid mix.