James Burghardt
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
BULBOPHYLLUM spiesii
Plant Common Name
Bulbophyllum, Orchid
General Description
Large, flopping, tongue-like leaves and clusters of dark red flowers that reek of rotting meat, make Bulbophyllum spiesii an orchid that should be encountered at least once! (But maybe not twice.) A tropical epiphyte from the hot, humid forests of New Guinea eastward into the nearby Pacific Islands, it thrives along low and mid-level tree branches and trunks. The rotten stench of the flowers attracts green bottle flies, which pollinate the blooms.
Plants are comprised of a small group of large, rounded pseudobulbs that form a cluster. Each pseudobulb holds one enormous, dull green leaf that is thick, leathery and looks like a long cow tongue. A mature pseudobulb will present a short-stemmed, rounded flower cluster the size of a small dinner plate. Each individual blossom is black-red to blood red, with sepals (petal-like leaves) that look like a fleshy turtle's tongues with small white specks. Flies frequent the smelly flowers for pollination.
Provide Bulbophyllum spiesii bright shade and a warm, humid growing environment outdoors in a tropical garden. Indoor growing is suggested only for the most adventurous gardeners. This true epiphyte should be mounted to a tree or palm trunk, wedged into a wooden basket or pot filled with fine bark nuggets. Water regularly and make sure drainage is perfect. Dilute applications of liquid fertilizer are welcome spring through autumn. Reduce watering in winter. Provide good air circulation for good health and to discourage pests and disease. Be sure to provide just the right amount of light; too little turns the leaves super dark green and discourages flowering while direct hot sun will scald leaves.
This is an impressive, large orchid to grow as a specimen in a warm to hot porch or greenhouse. The flowers are visually unbelievable, and definitely offensively scented.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Crimson, Dark Red, Black
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Fruit Color
Purple, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
