About
Bulbophyllum wendlandianum is a compact, epiphytic orchid that thrives in warm to cool conditions. This species features pseudobulbs, which serve as storage structures for water and nutrients, each supporting a single leathery leaf that is green in color. The rhizome measures about 4 cm in length between the pseudobulbs. Flowering occurs from the tips of newly developed pseudobulbs, producing up to seven flowers that open simultaneously in tight clusters. Each flower reaches a length of up to 15 cm, displaying fused red and yellow lateral sepals that hang downwards. The dorsal sepal is short and fringed, forming a "cap" above the central part of the flower.
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
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Native to
- Madagascar to SE Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, free-draining, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss. Due to plants' spreading growth habit, they are best accommodated in wide, shallow pots or baskets. Provide enough filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Plants require high humidity of 60 - 80 % and frequent misting/watering. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. Ideal temperatures are around minimum 15°C at night and up to maximum 30 °C during day.
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Remove spent flower stem at the base.
- 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.