Overview
Bulbophyllum longiflorum is a clump-forming orchid in the genus Bulbophyllum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bulbophyllum longiflorum 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 longiflorum, commonly known as the pale umbrella orchid, is a species of epiphytic or lithophytic orchid. It has a creeping rhizome, widely spaced, dark green pseudobulbs with a single large, fleshy leaf, and flowers spreading in a semicircular umbel, resembling one-half of an umbrella. The flowers are canoe-shaped, greenish cream-coloured to yellowish with purple dots. It has a wide distribution and is found in parts of Africa, on islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and northern Australia. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). It works well for indoor cultivation. It tolerates neutral soils, moderate conditions and south-facing aspects. Grow in specialist orchid compost. Provide bright, indirect light.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bulbophyllum longiflorum
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 longiflorum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Indoor cultivation
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bulbophyllum longiflorum
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bulbophyllum longiflorum?
Bulbophyllum longiflorum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bulbophyllum longiflorum need?
Bulbophyllum longiflorum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
Is Bulbophyllum longiflorum hardy in the UK?
Bulbophyllum longiflorum 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 longiflorum?
Division, seed.
More in the Bulbophyllum genus
- Bulbophyllum antenniferum
- Bulbophyllum baileyi
- Bulbophyllum biflorum
- Bulbophyllum fletcherianumTongue Orchid
- Bulbophyllum frostii
- Bulbophyllum hirtum
- Bulbophyllum nutans
- Bulbophyllum saltatorium
