Bulbophyllum nocturnum

[Kevinator]

Hello everyone!

You may or may not have heard of this before but the FIRST TRUE NIGHT-BLOOMING ORCHID HAS NOW BEEN DISCOVERED !!!!!!!!! Its name, Bulbophyllum nocturnum. Hailing from the island of New Britain, it was named and described in 2011. I would like to share some information I collected about it.

First off, it is a miniature Bulbo. with tiny little triangular, yellow flowers with a dark red lip. The flowers have unusual appendages which look like molding spider legs that move at the slightest breeze. Flowers only last half a day- opening at about 10 p.m. and closing at sunrise.

As of today, the only living specimen can be found at Hortus Botanicus in the Netherlands (no other specimens have been found yet). I have heard that Kew has an alcohol preserved specimen of it (possibly a division).

Now, for cultivation. In the future if you ever get your hands on a LEGAL specimen, give it high humidity, good air ventilation, and heat. Grow it like a typical Bulbo. Watering should be done when the plant dries out slightly (only if kept with high humidity). Hortus Botanicus grows it mounted on a slab of coconut fiber.

Well, this is all I know about this orchid. Hope it was helpful!

P.S: Spongiforma squarepantsii is currently a species of fungi that resembles a constantly laughing cartoon sponge that lives in Bikini Bottom.