Bulbophyllum Alliifolium

Bulbophyllum alliifolium is a rare, miniature epiphytic orchid distinguished by its unique terete (pencil-shaped), deeply channeled leaves and small, intricate flowers, appealing to collectors for its odd morphology and compact growth in humid terrariums.​

Detailed Description and Characteristics

This sympodial epiphyte features a creeping rhizome with closely spaced, small pseudobulbs (under 1 cm) bearing single, terete leaves (3-6 cm long, thick, fleshy, acute tips, deeply channeled above like garlic leaves—hence “alliifolium”). Inflorescences emerge from rhizome base as short spikes with 1-3 tiny flowers (ca. 5-8 mm): sepals and petals yellowish-green to brown, often with keels or hairs; hinged labellum sensitive for fly pollination; faint garlic-like scent possible. Clumps stay under 15 cm wide, with fine roots for moisture cling.​

Origin and Habitat

Native to montane rainforests (800-2000m) in Sumatra (Indonesia) and nearby Malesian regions; epiphytic on mossy tree branches in shaded, humid cloud forests with constant mist and airflow. Adapted to warm-intermediate, wet tropics; scarce due to deforestation.​

Cultivation Guide

Best indoor lighting setup: East-facing window (morning sun, sheer curtain afternoon) or LED grow lights (5000-10,000 lux, 12-14 hours/day, cool white spectrum 6500K at 30-50 cm distance); avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. Temperature: 21-27°C days/15-22°C nights (6-8°C drop). Humidity: 70-90% (humidifier/tray, mist 2x daily). Water: Keep evenly moist (daily mounted, 3-4x/week potted)—fine roots demand no drying out. Fertilizer: 1/4 strength balanced orchid mix (20-20-20) weekly, flush monthly. Potting mix: 60% live sphagnum moss/20% fine charcoal/20% perlite in slatted baskets or mount on cork slabs/tree fern for superior aeration. Repot every 2 years in spring.​​

Blooming Time and Propagation

Blooms spring-summer (potentially sequential year-round in stable humidity/light), flowers last 5-10 days. Propagate by rhizome division (spring, 3+ pseudobulbs per section, sterile tools), heal in high humidity shade; seed propagation impractical.​​

Specialties, Uses, and Special Care

Specialty: Exotic terete leaves mimic garlic scapes, with fly-pollinating flowers showcasing Bulbophyllum’s weird diversity—perfect for microhabitats. Primarily ornamental; no documented medicinal/economic uses. Special care: Prioritize constant airflow to avert fungal rot from wetness; inspect fine roots during repot; resilient to pests but vulnerable to dry air/low humidity killing new growths. Intermediate-advanced difficulty.