Overview
Bulbophyllum capitatum is a clump-forming orchid in the genus Bulbophyllum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bulbophyllum capitatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include indoor cultivation. It is native to Borneo and Jawa.
About
Bulbophyllum capitatum is a clump-forming orchid cultivar within the Bulbophyllum genus, known for its primarily epiphytic, sympodial tropical orchids. This evergreen plant produces clusters of small pseudobulbs, each typically supporting a single leaf. Native to Borneo and Jawa, it thrives in bright, indirect light and is best grown indoors in specialist orchid compost. It prefers a south-facing, sheltered position with moderate moisture and neutral loam soil. This cultivar is of interest during spring and summer and requires careful cultivation suited to its H1a UK hardiness rating.
About the genus
Bulbophyllum is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is the largest genus in the orchid family and one of the largest genera of flowering plants with more than 2,000 species, exceeded in number only by Astragalus. These orchids are found in diverse habitats throughout most of the warmer parts of the world including Africa, southern Asia, Latin America, the West Indies, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bulbophyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bulbophyllum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bulbophyllum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Bulbophyllum capitatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Indoor cultivation
- Native to
- Borneo, Jawa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bulbophyllum capitatum
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bulbophyllum capitatum?
Bulbophyllum capitatum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bulbophyllum capitatum need?
Bulbophyllum capitatum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
Is Bulbophyllum capitatum hardy in the UK?
Bulbophyllum capitatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Bulbophyllum capitatum?
Division, seed.
