Bulbophyllum Falcatum is an orchid endemic to tropical Africa, Togo, Nigeria and Uganda. It has rachis or stems shaped like a wing that is about 10 cm long and 8–10 mm thick. On each side of the stems is a row of flowers with 10-15 flowers per row. The flowers are dark red and the petals are extremely small and resemble a thread. The main flowering time is April - June each year. 
 
They grow high up, their roots clinging to the trees for grip. They survive on moisture from dew and raindrops.
 
The reason that they are so brightly coloured is……they need to be to attract insects for pollination, to ensure survival.  
 
Some experince is needed to grow these plants well, they will need some care most weeks, with a quick spray or watering and will do best with humid conditions but the efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful and interesting plant. 
 
If you’re giving this lovely orchid as a gift, we’ll deliver it along with a free handwritten card - and we’ll omit the paperwork! All you need to do is to include your gift message at the basket stage of the checkout and we’ll take care of the rest!
 
Bulbophyllum Falcatum care 
Spray with water every 3 to 6 days, especially during the growing season or summer, and add some of our own tropical plant dew which includes fertiliser, ideally mixed for orchids. 
 
Where should I put my orchid?
Your Orchid needs to be in a bright spot with lots of natural light so that the flowers can keep opening - for the flowers to have the best colour the plant must be in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
 
orchids don’t do well in strong direct light, it may burn the leaves, particularly during the summer.
 
Normal room temperature is perfect for orchids and with the right conditions this plant will grow and thrive. Once flowers have dropped off, you can cut out the flower spike. 
 
During the period in which the plant is not blooming, it invests its energy in the formation of leaves and roots getting ready for the next bloom.
 
How should I water my orchid?
 
Bulbophyllum Falcatum orchids need to be watered twice a week during warm weather and the water needs to be of room temperature, 20-24 degrees Celsius.   
 
The best way to water Orchids is to eaither submerge the orchid in water until roots are submerged for overnight, they will then absorb the water.  It will store water in its roots to keep it going until the next watering.
 
You can also mist. Rainwater works best, but tap water that is left to stand for a day and warm up can also be used. 
 
How should I feed my Orchid?
Orchids do not need as much fertilizer as conventional plants, so we recommend fertilizing every two to three weeks in spring and summer and once a month in autumn and winter.
 
For more general information on how to look after houseplants please see our video.
 
If you like our Vanda orchid, you may also love our Jewel orchid - Ludisia Discolor. 
 
Orchids are provided on 15cm tall bark with moss and Orchid fixed ready to hang.