Bulbophyllum falciferum (Bulbophyllum falcatum)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Bulbophyllum falciferum Plant Care

Bulbophyllum falcatum Rchb.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Bulbophyllum falcatum is a striking orchid species known for its unique curved leaves that resemble a sickle. Originating from the humid forests of Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its exotic appearance and challenging cultivation requirements.

🪴Houseplants🌸Orchids
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to dappled shade

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Water Bulbophyllum falciferum every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bulbophyllum falciferum Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Bulbophyllum falciferum (Bulbophyllum falcatum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Bulbophyllum genus. Bulbophyllum falciferum is native to tropical Africa from Sierra Leone up to the Congo and western Uganda. Bulbophyllum falciferum is also known as Bulbophyllum dentiferum.

Bulbophyllum falciferum displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bulbophyllum falciferum produces unique, intricate flowers often with complex shapes and patterns.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Bulbophyllum falcatum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Bulbophyllum falciferum Need?

Bulbophyllum falciferum thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Bulbophyllum falciferum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to dappled shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bulbophyllum falciferum Prefer?

Bulbophyllum falcatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bulbophyllum falciferum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Bulbophyllum falciferum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Feed Bulbophyllum falciferum every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 2 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Bulbophyllum falciferum can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bulbophyllum acuminatum plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Bulbophyllum falciferum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum falciferum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bulbophyllum falciferum?

Bulbophyllum falciferum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bulbophyllum falciferum Need?

Bulbophyllum falciferum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bulbophyllum falciferum is native to tropical Africa from Sierra Leone up to the Congo and western Uganda. In cooler regions, grow Bulbophyllum falciferum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Bulbophyllum falciferum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Bulbophyllum genus — compare its care with other Bulbophyllum species on PlantoScan.

Bulbophyllum is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.

Bulbophyllum falciferum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Bulbophyllum Species

Other Bulbophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Bulbophyllum falcatum Rchb.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Syst. 6: 258 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum falciferum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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