Bulbophyllum striatum

Bulbophyllum striatum is a mini-miniature, epiphytic orchid native to high-altitude regions of the Eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia. It exhibits tightly spaced, pear- to ovoid-shaped, purple, wrinkled pseudobulbs, each topped with a single leathery leaf that’s green on the surface and purple-blotched beneath. In autumn, the plant produces short inflorescences (5–8 cm long) bearing 2–4 inverted, light greenish-yellow flowers with purple veins and a striped lip.

Care Tips:

• Light
  Provide bright, indirect light (~2,500–3,500 foot-candles). Avoid direct sun; filtered east- or north-facing exposure is ideal.

• Temperature
  Maintain intermediate conditions: roughly 55 °F to 85 °F (13 °C to 29 °C). While not necessary, a slight drop at night (about 6 °C drop) can help support flowering.

• Watering
  Keep the growing medium evenly moist, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings—but never let it dry out fully. Typically, this means watering 3–5 times per week when mounted or in fast-draining mixes.

• Humidity & Airflow
  Maintain high humidity (60–90%), and ensure good air circulation to avoid fungal issues or rot.

• Growing Medium & Mounting
  Use a coarse, well-draining mix—bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss are good choices. Alternatively, mount the orchid on tree fern or cork slabs to mimic its natural epiphytic habit.

• Fertilization
  Apply a balanced fertilizer (¼ to ½ strength, e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) regularly during active growth. Flush the medium periodically to avoid salt buildup.

• Repotting / Mounting Refresh
  Repot or remount every 2–3 years, preferably during the spring when new growth starts. Use fresh, coarse media and be gentle with the delicate roots.