Bulbophyllum affine

Bulbophyllum affine is an orchid distributed through Southeast Asia and into New Guinea, where it inhabits lowland and hill forests in shaded, humid conditions. Plants form small pseudobulbs spaced along a creeping rhizome, each with a single narrow leaf. Inflorescences arise from the base, producing umbels of numerous small flowers. The flowers are usually yellow to green, often speckled with red or purple, and possess the characteristic hinged lip of the genus, adapted for fly pollination. Its compact growth and colourful clusters make it an appealing species for specialist orchid collections.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers shaded to moderately bright, indirect light.
• Water: Requires regular watering; roots should remain moist but not waterlogged.
• Media: Well suited to mounting on cork or tree fern, or growing in a fine orchid mix with sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
• Fertiliser: Apply dilute orchid fertiliser regularly during active growth.
• Temperature: Grows best in warm to intermediate climates, ideally 18–28 °C, with high humidity.
• Air circulation: Provide steady airflow to prevent fungal or bacterial issues.
• Repotting: Refresh medium or remount every 2–3 years to maintain healthy root and rhizome growth.