This is an alba form of the epiphytic species Bulbophyllum falcatum, which is native to tropical Africa. It is a rewarding and relatively easy-to-grow orchid, perfect for shallow pots or mounting, and a great candidate for vivariums due to its compact to medium size.
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Light: Thrives in low to medium light levels, similar to Phalaenopsis, and prefers bright, diffused light without direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch the foliage.
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Temperature: Cultivate as an intermediate to warm grower. The ideal range is generally between 68-86°F (20-30°C), requiring a night drop of about 9-12°F (5-7°C) to promote strong growth and flowering.
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Humidity: Requires high humidity, optimally between 60% and 90%, especially when mounted. Excellent air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal issues, particularly in high-humidity settings.
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Watering: Water frequently and liberally, especially during active growth, as it prefers to be perpetually moist at the roots. The medium should never be allowed to dry out completely, but it must drain quickly.
Additional Notes
The species Bulb. falcatum is famous for its unique, flattened, inflorescence stem from which the flowers emerge in a row. The 'alba' variety produces flowers that are a stunning creamy white or yellow, in contrast to the typical dark red/purple flowers of the standard species.
