Overview

Bulbophyllum fletcherianum is a clump-forming orchid in the genus Bulbophyllum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bulbophyllum fletcherianum 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 New Guinea.

About

Bulbophyllum fletcherianum is a clump-forming orchid in the family Orchidaceae, native to New Guinea. It is evergreen and typically cultivated indoors where conditions can be kept warm and sheltered. Give it a south-facing position with full sun, a neutral loam and moderate soil moisture. Flowering in the UK occurs from July to September.

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

In the garden

Bulbophyllum fletcherianum belongs to the large Bulbophyllum genus within Orchidaceae and originates from New Guinea. As a clump-forming, evergreen orchid it is most frequently kept under glass or in a bright indoor location in the UK rather than planted outdoors. Provide a sheltered, south-facing setting with full sun and a loam-based medium at neutral pH. Maintain moderate moisture in the root zone rather than prolonged dryness or waterlogging; the plant’s exposure should be protected from cold drafts and abrupt temperature swings. Its UK hardiness is H1a (tender), so it must be kept frost-free and sheltered throughout the year. For UK growers the recommended use is indoor cultivation: a heated greenhouse, conservatory or a warm, south-facing room will meet the aspect and exposure requirements. Monitor moisture and light so the plant receives bright, sunny conditions without cold exposure. Flowering falls between July and September, which is the period to assess bloom development.

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 fletcherianum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Orchid

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Indoor cultivation

Native to

New Guinea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bulbophyllum fletcherianum

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

Moderate

Disease resistance

Moderate

Frequently asked questions