About
Bulbophyllum gibbosum is a creeping orchid that thrives on tree bark in humid, tropical rainforests. This species develops elongated, swollen structures known as pseudobulbs along its branching stems, which serve to retain moisture and nutrients. At the apex of each pseudobulb, a robust, oval to lanceolate green leaf emerges. During the summer and autumn months, clusters of small, translucent cream flowers bloom from the base of newly formed pseudobulbs. These flowers are borne on an upright or gently arching stem that can reach lengths of up to 30 cm.
About the genus
This genus encompasses a broad range of primarily epiphytic, sympodial tropical orchids. These plants form clusters of small pseudobulbs that function as reservoirs for water and nutrients. Typically, each pseudobulb supports a single leaf. There are more than 2,000 recognized species within this group.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Borneo, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Sumatera
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, well drained but moisture-retentive mix of medium orchid bark, sphagnum moss and perlite. Shallow, wide pots or baskets are best used to accommodate its spreading habit. Bright filtered light is best as direct sunlight through glass can scorch its leaves. Prefers a minimum night temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 30°C in the daytime. Nighttime temperatures should be 10°C lower than daytime temperatures for good growth and is beneficial to induce flowering. High humidity is required along with gentle air movement. Allow plants to freely drain when watering and avoid plants sitting in water as this can cause roots to rot. Plants may be intolerant of hard tap water, so irrigate with rainwater at room temperature. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season, March to September. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. See indoor orchid cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required apart from the removal of faded flowers
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects infestations
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free