Bulbophyllum habrotinum

Bulbophyllum habrotinum is one of those fantastic species that reminds us of the sheer diversity within the orchid world. It doesn’t have a catchy common name to go by; its botanical name is unique enough to turn heads.

This is a species orchid, originally from the island of Borneo. It makes its home in the lower montane forests, perched on lightly shaded tree limbs at elevations between approximately 2,000 and 2,600 feet. Living here, it experiences warm, humid conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from the high 50s to the high 80s Fahrenheit.

The plant itself is a charming miniature, with a creeping rhizome that spaces out its pseudobulbs by about half an inch to an inch. These pseudobulbs are ovoid and a little flattened, each topped with a single, erect, elliptic leaf that is rather blunt at the tip (obtuse, for us plant nerds).

The flowers are quite the spectacle. From the base of the pseudobulb, an inflorescence emerges, reaching about 4-6 inches long. It presents a cluster of 6 to 9 flowers that all open at once, creating a beautiful little pendant umbel. Each flower is a work of art, measuring around 5 inches in length, showcasing an intricate shape and a vibrant blend of red and burgundy. The flowers typically make their appearance in the late winter and early spring. While not powerfully fragrant, they can have a subtle, earthy scent. Its unique beauty has not gone unnoticed; the cultivar 'Jia Ho' received multiple awards from the American Orchid Society.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, indirect light. An east-facing window with morning sun or a shaded south-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct, intense sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Light levels should be between 1,000 and 1,500 foot-candles.

Water: This species requires abundant and consistent moisture. The potting medium should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water as the top of the medium approaches dryness. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler months, but never allow the plant to dry out completely. Rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water is recommended.

Temperature: Bulbophyllum habrotinum thrives in intermediate to warm temperatures. Day temperatures should be between 70-85°F, with a nighttime drop to 60-65°F. A slight temperature drop at night helps encourage blooming.

Humidity: High humidity is essential, ideally between 70% and 80%. If growing indoors, using a humidifier or placing the plant on a humidity tray is beneficial. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues in high-humidity environments.

Potting Medium: As an epiphyte with fine roots, this orchid does well mounted on cork or tree fern plaques with a pad of sphagnum moss to retain moisture. It can also be grown in a shallow pot or basket with a well-draining, moisture-retentive medium such as sphagnum moss or a fine-grade orchid bark mix. Repotting should be done only when necessary as the plant prefers to be undisturbed.

Offered in 3-4" pots..