About
Bulbophyllum falcatum is a compact orchid that thrives in warm conditions, typically found on trees and sometimes on rocks. It features distinctive, swollen stems known as pseudobulbs, which store water and nutrients, reaching heights of up to 10 cm. Each pseudobulb supports two sickle-shaped leaves at its apex, growing along a creeping stem that anchors itself to the substrate for stability. During the winter and spring, this species produces up to 14 flowers on a flattened, maroon flower stem. The flowers emit a strong odor that may be off-putting. The dorsal petal showcases a combination of yellow and white on its interior, while its exterior is purple. The inner petals are arranged in whorls around the flower's base and are also purple. A notable feature is the pronounced labellum, which takes on a tongue-like shape and is purple in color.
About the genus
This genus encompasses a broad range of primarily epiphytic, sympodial tropical orchids. These plants form clusters of small pseudobulbs that function as reservoirs for water and nutrients. Typically, each pseudobulb supports a single leaf. There are more than 2,000 recognized species within this group.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Native to
- C Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, well drained but moisture-retentive mix of medium orchid bark, sphagnum moss and perlite. Shallow, wide pots or baskets are best used to accommodate its spreading habit. Bright filtered light is best as direct sunlight through glass can scorch its leaves. Prefers a minimum night temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 30°C in the daytime. Nighttime temperatures should be 10°C lower than daytime temperatures for good growth and is beneficial to induce flowering. High humidity is required along with gentle air movement. Allow plants to freely drain when watering and avoid plants sitting in water as this can cause roots to rot. Plants may be intolerant of hard tap water, so irrigate with rainwater at room temperature. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season, March to September. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. See indoor orchid cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Remove spent flower stem at the base
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free