Bulbophyllum auratum

from $24.95

Bulbophyllum auratum is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Thailand, Borneo, and possibly Sumatra and the Philippines. It’s found in lowland and hill forests. It grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches in humid, shaded environments at elevations of 100-700 meters. It thrives in warm, wet conditions with good air circulation. Often referred to as the "Golden Bulbophyllum" due to its vibrant yellow blooms ("auratum" means "golden" in Latin), our plants are showing a lot of pigmentation in the leaves, which leads me to believe that we have the red colored form. We have Blooming Size (BS) plants in 3-in pots, planted in sphagnum moss to retain moisture. Bulbophyllum auratum is a delightful miniature with its golden, star-like flower clusters and subtle charm, perfect for growers who enjoy tropical oddities. Its small size makes it perfect for amphibian and orchid terrariums.

Appearance

  • A small epiphyte with a creeping rhizome.

  • Pseudobulbs are ovoid to oblong, 1-2 cm long, spaced 2-4 cm apart along the rhizome, and each bears a single leaf.

  • Leaves are elliptic to oblong, leathery, 5-10 cm long, and dark green.

  • Flowers:

    • Size: Individual flowers are small, about 1-2 cm wide, but striking in clusters.

    • Color: Bright golden-yellow to orange-yellow, with occasional reddish or brownish spotting on the sepals and lip. The dorsal sepal and petals are vivid, while the lateral sepals are elongated and often curve inward.

    • Shape: Flowers form a semi-circular or fan-shaped umbel (3-8 blooms) at the end of a short inflorescence (3-5 cm long). The dorsal sepal is upright, petals are small and pointed, and lateral sepals are narrow and extended, giving a wispy, star-like appearance.

    • Lip: Tiny, fleshy, and mobile, typically yellow with red markings, designed to attract pollinators.

  • Fragrance: Subtle and pleasant, often described as faintly sweet or fruity, contrasting with the foul odors of some Bulbophyllum relatives.

Size:

Bulbophyllum auratum is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Thailand, Borneo, and possibly Sumatra and the Philippines. It’s found in lowland and hill forests. It grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches in humid, shaded environments at elevations of 100-700 meters. It thrives in warm, wet conditions with good air circulation. Often referred to as the "Golden Bulbophyllum" due to its vibrant yellow blooms ("auratum" means "golden" in Latin), our plants are showing a lot of pigmentation in the leaves, which leads me to believe that we have the red colored form. We have Blooming Size (BS) plants in 3-in pots, planted in sphagnum moss to retain moisture. Bulbophyllum auratum is a delightful miniature with its golden, star-like flower clusters and subtle charm, perfect for growers who enjoy tropical oddities. Its small size makes it perfect for amphibian and orchid terrariums.

Appearance

  • A small epiphyte with a creeping rhizome.

  • Pseudobulbs are ovoid to oblong, 1-2 cm long, spaced 2-4 cm apart along the rhizome, and each bears a single leaf.

  • Leaves are elliptic to oblong, leathery, 5-10 cm long, and dark green.

  • Flowers:

    • Size: Individual flowers are small, about 1-2 cm wide, but striking in clusters.

    • Color: Bright golden-yellow to orange-yellow, with occasional reddish or brownish spotting on the sepals and lip. The dorsal sepal and petals are vivid, while the lateral sepals are elongated and often curve inward.

    • Shape: Flowers form a semi-circular or fan-shaped umbel (3-8 blooms) at the end of a short inflorescence (3-5 cm long). The dorsal sepal is upright, petals are small and pointed, and lateral sepals are narrow and extended, giving a wispy, star-like appearance.

    • Lip: Tiny, fleshy, and mobile, typically yellow with red markings, designed to attract pollinators.

  • Fragrance: Subtle and pleasant, often described as faintly sweet or fruity, contrasting with the foul odors of some Bulbophyllum relatives.

Growing Conditions

  • Light: Moderate to low, indirect light (1,500-2,500 foot-candles). Prefers filtered shade; direct sun scorches leaves.

  • Temperature: Warm to intermediate, 65°F-85°F (18°C-29°C) day, with nights 5-10°C cooler. Avoid below 55°F (13°C).

  • Humidity: High, 70%-90%. Ideal for terrariums or misted setups.

  • Watering: Keep the medium (e.g., sphagnum moss, fine bark, or mounted) consistently moist but not soggy. Dry spells stress it, but overwatering rots roots.

  • Fertilizer: Monthly or biweekly with 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) during active growth (spring-fall).

Blooming

  • Season: Spring to summer (April-July), though it can bloom sporadically year-round in stable conditions.

  • Trigger: Consistent moisture and mature pseudobulbs; slight light increases can prompt flowering.

  • Duration: Flowers last 1-2 weeks, with the umbel creating a prolonged display as blooms open sequentially.