Overview
Bulbophyllum shweliense is a clump-forming orchid in the genus Bulbophyllum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Bulbophyllum shweliense 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 shweliense is a clump-forming orchid cultivar within the Bulbophyllum genus, which includes over 2,000 primarily epiphytic tropical species. This evergreen plant features small pseudobulbs, each typically supporting a single leaf, serving as reservoirs for water and nutrients. Suited to indoor cultivation, it thrives in orchid bark with bright indirect light and requires moderate moisture in neutral loam soil. It prefers a sheltered, south-facing aspect with full sun exposure and is hardy to UK zone H1a. Interest in this cultivar spans all seasons, from spring through winter.
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 shweliense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Indoor cultivation
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bulbophyllum shweliense
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bulbophyllum shweliense?
Bulbophyllum shweliense prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bulbophyllum shweliense need?
Bulbophyllum shweliense grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
Is Bulbophyllum shweliense hardy in the UK?
Bulbophyllum shweliense 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 shweliense?
Division, seed.
