Overview

Bulbophyllum frostii is a clump-forming orchid in the genus Bulbophyllum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bulbophyllum frostii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include indoor cultivation.

About

Bulbophyllum frostii, commonly known as Frost's bulbophyllum or Dutchman's shoes is a species of orchid, In the wild it grows as an epiphyte, inhabiting evergreen seasonal lowland rainforests in Vietnam and more rarely in Thailand, including the Malay peninsula. It was more recently reported growing in the Yunnan province of China during a series of botanical surveys between 2017 and 2020.

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 4.0Bulbophyllum

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 frostii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Orchid
Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Indoor cultivation

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bulbophyllum frostii

Propagation
Division, seed
Pest resistance
Moderate
Disease resistance
Moderate

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Bulbophyllum frostii?

Bulbophyllum frostii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Bulbophyllum frostii need?

Bulbophyllum frostii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

Is Bulbophyllum frostii hardy in the UK?

Bulbophyllum frostii 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 frostii?

Division, seed.

More in the Bulbophyllum genus

Browse all Bulbophyllum