Bulbophyllum Binnendijkii

Bulbophyllum binnendijkii is a striking miniature epiphytic orchid species famous for its large, clustered umbels of spotted, waxy flowers with a carrion-like scent that attract fly pollinators, ideal for advanced growers seeking dramatic, fragrant tropical displays.​

Detailed Description and Characteristics

This sympodial epiphyte forms creeping rhizomes with clustered, ovoid pseudobulbs (1-2 cm) spaced 2-4 cm apart, each topped by a single elliptic-oblong leaf (5-10 cm long, leathery, dark green). Inflorescences arise basally as pendulous spikes (10-20 cm), bearing umbels of 5-12 flowers (up to 4-5 cm across): fleshy, waxy sepals/petals in cream-yellow with maroon spots/purple veins, hinged labellum flips dramatically, column hooded; strong decaying meat odor peaks at dawn. Mature clumps reach 20-30 cm wide.​

Origin and Habitat

Native to lowland and hill rainforests (200-1500m) across Southeast Asia: Malaysian Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Moluccas (Indonesia), New Guinea, and Africa (Guinea to Uganda); epiphytic on bare trunks/large branches in humid, shaded canopies with constant moisture. Warm-intermediate grower; threatened by logging.​

Cultivation Guide

Light: Intermediate (15,000-25,000 lux, east/south shaded); wide leaves indicate lower needs. Temperature: 21-27°C days/15-22°C nights (6-8°C drop triggers bloom), tolerates 10-35°C but no frost. Humidity: 60-90%, mist 2x daily. Water: Keep moist (3-5x/week potted, daily mounted), dry lightly between—fine roots demand even moisture. Fertilizer: 1/4 strength balanced (20-20-20) weekly year-round, bloom booster spring; flush salts monthly. Potting mix: 50% live sphagnum/30% medium bark chunks/20% charcoal-perlite in shallow baskets/slatted pots; mount on cork/tree fern slabs preferred for airflow. Repot every 2 years spring (bend rhizomes to contain).​​

Blooming Time and Propagation

Blooms spring-early summer (potentially year-round in stable conditions), sequential umbels last 7-14 days with potent scent. Propagate by rhizome division (spring, 3+ pseudobulbs/division, sterile knife), heal in humid shade; keikis rare, seed slow.​​

Specialties, Uses, and Special Care

Specialty: Massive, spotted umbels with fly-pollinating “flip-flop” mechanism—ornamental spectacle for Bulbophyllum fans despite odor. No commercial/medicinal uses noted; highlights rainforest biodiversity. Special care: Excellent airflow combats fungal risks from wetness; watch scale/mealybugs; avoid dry spells killing new growths; resilient once established. Intermediate difficulty.​​