Bulbophyllum frostii
Native to Southeast Asia, primarily Vietnam, with rarer occurrences in Thailand and possibly southern China (Yunnan province, noted in surveys from 2017-2020). It grows in evergreen lowland and seasonal forests as a mini-miniature epiphyte with a creeping rhizome. Pseudobulbs are small (1-1.5 cm long), ovoid, multi-angled, olive-green to purplish, compressed, and clustered with about 1-3 cm spacing. Each carries a single leaf. Leaves are broadly oblong-elliptic to ovate, fleshy, dark green, 2-4 cm long, sessile or shortly petiolate. Flower size is approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with glossy dark red to maroon color, occasionally with a purplish hue. The lip is a vivid red and mobile. What sets this Bulbo apart is its distinctive shape resembling Dutch wooden clogs or shoes, with broad dorsal sepals and elongated, curved lateral sepals forming a slipper-like structure. The lip rocks slightly, aiding pollination. Inflorescences carry small clusters (2-5 flowers). The flowers are mildly fragrant, funky in a way, with a subtle scent that’s not overpowering or unpleasant. We have plants growing in 2-inch pots with sphagnum moss to retain moisture. This miniature sized Bulbo is perfect for small spaces, terrariums, or mounts, rarely exceeding 10-15 cm in spread.
Native to Southeast Asia, primarily Vietnam, with rarer occurrences in Thailand and possibly southern China (Yunnan province, noted in surveys from 2017-2020). It grows in evergreen lowland and seasonal forests as a mini-miniature epiphyte with a creeping rhizome. Pseudobulbs are small (1-1.5 cm long), ovoid, multi-angled, olive-green to purplish, compressed, and clustered with about 1-3 cm spacing. Each carries a single leaf. Leaves are broadly oblong-elliptic to ovate, fleshy, dark green, 2-4 cm long, sessile or shortly petiolate. Flower size is approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with glossy dark red to maroon color, occasionally with a purplish hue. The lip is a vivid red and mobile. What sets this Bulbo apart is its distinctive shape resembling Dutch wooden clogs or shoes, with broad dorsal sepals and elongated, curved lateral sepals forming a slipper-like structure. The lip rocks slightly, aiding pollination. Inflorescences carry small clusters (2-5 flowers). The flowers are mildly fragrant, funky in a way, with a subtle scent that’s not overpowering or unpleasant. We have plants growing in 2-inch pots with sphagnum moss to retain moisture. This miniature sized Bulbo is perfect for small spaces, terrariums, or mounts, rarely exceeding 10-15 cm in spread.
Native to Southeast Asia, primarily Vietnam, with rarer occurrences in Thailand and possibly southern China (Yunnan province, noted in surveys from 2017-2020). It grows in evergreen lowland and seasonal forests as a mini-miniature epiphyte with a creeping rhizome. Pseudobulbs are small (1-1.5 cm long), ovoid, multi-angled, olive-green to purplish, compressed, and clustered with about 1-3 cm spacing. Each carries a single leaf. Leaves are broadly oblong-elliptic to ovate, fleshy, dark green, 2-4 cm long, sessile or shortly petiolate. Flower size is approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with glossy dark red to maroon color, occasionally with a purplish hue. The lip is a vivid red and mobile. What sets this Bulbo apart is its distinctive shape resembling Dutch wooden clogs or shoes, with broad dorsal sepals and elongated, curved lateral sepals forming a slipper-like structure. The lip rocks slightly, aiding pollination. Inflorescences carry small clusters (2-5 flowers). The flowers are mildly fragrant, funky in a way, with a subtle scent that’s not overpowering or unpleasant. We have plants growing in 2-inch pots with sphagnum moss to retain moisture. This miniature sized Bulbo is perfect for small spaces, terrariums, or mounts, rarely exceeding 10-15 cm in spread.
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright indirect to shaded (2,000-3,000 foot-candles). Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature: Intermediate to warm, 58°F-85°F (14°C-29°C). It prefers a slight nighttime drop but isn’t cold-tolerant below 55°F (13°C).
Humidity: High, 70%-85%. Thrives in terrariums or with regular misting.
Watering: Keep consistently moist year-round, allowing the medium to dry lightly between waterings. Never let it stay completely dry for long—its fine roots are sensitive to drought.
Fertilizer: Monthly, using 1/6 to 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). Over-fertilizing can harm its delicate roots.
Blooming
Season: Spring (March-May), with flowers emerging from the base of mature pseudobulbs.
Trigger: Consistent moisture and stable conditions; new growth maturity signals blooming.
Duration: Flowers last about 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature.
