Orchidaceae
How to Care for the Stinking Orchid (Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis)
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
Requires high humidity (60â80%), bright indirect light, watering every 3 days, and strong air circulation. Prefers organic media such as sphagnum moss or pine bark. Slow growing; demands patience and controlled conditions.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
15° - 29°C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Stinking Orchid?
Stinking Orchid (Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis) is a hard-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is one of the largest orchids in the Bulbophyllum genus, native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea. It is notorious for its massive leaves, which can exceed 60 cm in length, and for its flowers that emit a powerful putrid odor â an evolutionary strategy to attract fl...
Stinking Orchid grows up to 90cm, with spread of 120cm, watering every 3 days, 15°C â 29°C, 60â80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Stinking Orchid demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Stinking Orchid is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Stinking Orchid?
TLDR: Stinking Orchid needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Stinking Orchid?
Water every 3 days, keeping the medium slightly moist at all times. Avoid waterlogged roots, which cause rot. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
How Much Light Does Stinking Orchid Need?
Provide bright indirect light (5,000â15,000 lux). Direct sunlight will scorch the large leaves. East or north-facing windows with a sheer curtain are ideal.
What Is the Best Soil for Stinking Orchid?
Use quality sphagnum moss or medium-grade pine bark. Ensure excellent drainage. Repot every 2 years or when roots outgrow the container.
What Pot Should You Use for Stinking Orchid?
Terracotta or plastic pot with multiple drainage holes; tree fern slabs are also excellent
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Stinking Orchid and Where Does It Come From?
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is one of the largest orchids in the Bulbophyllum genus, native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea. It is notorious for its massive leaves, which can exceed 60 cm in length, and for its flowers that emit a powerful putrid odor â an evolutionary strategy to attract fly pollinators. Despite its unusual smell, it is a prized specimen among serious orchid collectors.
How to Propagate Stinking Orchid?
Division
Divide only when the plant has many pseudobulbs. Use sterilized tools to prevent fungal infections.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Divide pseudobulbs into groups of 3 or more
- 3 Plant each division in fresh moist medium
- 4 Keep in a shaded, humid spot until roots establish
Materials needed:
How Big Does Stinking Orchid Grow?
TLDR: Stinking Orchid can reach up to 90cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Stinking Orchid?
TLDR: Stinking Orchid is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents fascination with the exotic and mysterious in nature
Fun Facts
One of the largest orchids in the Bulbophyllum genus, with leaves exceeding 60 cm in length
Its flowers emit a smell resembling rotting meat to attract fly pollinators
Native to New Guinea, considered the global center of Bulbophyllum diversity with ~600 species
Despite slow growth, it can become a truly imposing specimen with decades of cultivation
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis?
What light does this orchid need?
Why do Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis flowers smell bad?
Is Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis toxic to pets?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Hard | Bright indirect | 10d | â ïļ |
| Round-leaf Calathea | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | â |
| African Mask Plant | Hard | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Rex Begonia | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | â ïļ |
