Bulbophyllum arfakianum

Also known as: Arfak Mountain Bulbophyllum or Bulbophyllum fraudulentum Hyalosema fraudulentum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Arfak Mountain Bulbophyllum is a hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.2-6.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-2cm

Flowers

A single blossom appears during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in May. Humidity ranges from 84% to 87%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 22C to 30C, highest in May (23C to 30C) and lowest in July (22C to 28C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.