Bulbophyllum facetum

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Overview

Bulbophyllum facetum is an epiphytic orchid species native to Southeast Asia in regions like Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. Its name, “facetum,” derives from Latin, meaning “elegant” or “refined,” possibly alluding to its subtle yet distinctive floral structure. Primarily found in the lowland and hill forests of Borneo, at elevations of 200-800 meters, It grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches in humid, shaded environments. Thrives in warm, wet conditions with consistent moisture and good air circulation, typical of tropical rainforest understories. Our 3-inch pot size are Near Blooming Size (NBS).

Appearance

  • Plant Structure: This is a small to medium-sized epiphyte with a creeping growth habit. Its pseudobulbs are ovoid, about 1-2 cm long, spaced along a rhizome, and each bears a single, leathery leaf (typically 5-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, depending on conditions).

  • Flowers: The blooms are produced singly or in small clusters from the base of the pseudobulbs:

    • Size: Flowers are modest, up to 8 cm wide.

    • Color: Typically, a mix of greenish-yellow or pale yellow with reddish-brown to purple markings, especially on the sepals and lip. The exact hue can vary.

    • Shape: The dorsal sepal is upright and broad, while the lateral sepals are longer, narrower, and often curve inward or twist slightly. The petals are small and less prominent, and the lip is tiny, fleshy, and mobile—common in Bulbophyllum for attracting pollinators.

    • Texture: The flowers have a somewhat glossy or waxy appearance, adding to their understated elegance.

  • Fragrance: Specific scent details are scarce but may be faintly musky to attract flies. Bulb. facetum is not widely noted as one of the stinkier Bulbos, so it may lean toward subtle or neutral.

Size:

Overview

Bulbophyllum facetum is an epiphytic orchid species native to Southeast Asia in regions like Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. Its name, “facetum,” derives from Latin, meaning “elegant” or “refined,” possibly alluding to its subtle yet distinctive floral structure. Primarily found in the lowland and hill forests of Borneo, at elevations of 200-800 meters, It grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches in humid, shaded environments. Thrives in warm, wet conditions with consistent moisture and good air circulation, typical of tropical rainforest understories. Our 3-inch pot size are Near Blooming Size (NBS).

Appearance

  • Plant Structure: This is a small to medium-sized epiphyte with a creeping growth habit. Its pseudobulbs are ovoid, about 1-2 cm long, spaced along a rhizome, and each bears a single, leathery leaf (typically 5-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, depending on conditions).

  • Flowers: The blooms are produced singly or in small clusters from the base of the pseudobulbs:

    • Size: Flowers are modest, up to 8 cm wide.

    • Color: Typically, a mix of greenish-yellow or pale yellow with reddish-brown to purple markings, especially on the sepals and lip. The exact hue can vary.

    • Shape: The dorsal sepal is upright and broad, while the lateral sepals are longer, narrower, and often curve inward or twist slightly. The petals are small and less prominent, and the lip is tiny, fleshy, and mobile—common in Bulbophyllum for attracting pollinators.

    • Texture: The flowers have a somewhat glossy or waxy appearance, adding to their understated elegance.

  • Fragrance: Specific scent details are scarce but may be faintly musky to attract flies. Bulb. facetum is not widely noted as one of the stinkier Bulbos, so it may lean toward subtle or neutral.

Growing Conditions

Bulbophyllum facetum is cultivable with attention to its tropical preferences:

  • Light: Low to moderate, indirect light (1,000-2,000 foot-candles). It favors shade or filtered light, avoiding harsh sun.

  • Temperature: Warm, 65°F-85°F (18°C-29°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. It’s not frost-tolerant.

  • Humidity: High, 70%-85%. It benefits from misting or a humidifier in dry climates.

  • Watering: Keep the medium (e.g., bark, sphagnum moss, or mounted on cork) evenly moist but well-drained. Overwatering can rot its fine roots.

  • Air Movement: Critical to prevent fungal issues and mimic its breezy forest habitat.

  • Fertilizer: Use a diluted orchid fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength) biweekly during active growth (spring-summer).

  • Care Tips

  • Mounting vs. Pots: It does well mounted on plaques (e.g., cork or tree fern) to showcase its creeping habit and ensure drainage. If potted, use a small container with a loose, airy mix. We grow in loosely packed sphagnum moss for drainage and moisture retention.

    1. Root Sensitivity: Avoid overhandling—its fine roots dislike disturbance.

    2. Pest Watch: Check for spider mites or scale, common pests in humid setups, though it’s not especially prone.