Bulbophyllum Orchid
Bulbophyllum spp.

Bulbophyllum Orchid

Bright indirectFussyPet-safe
6085°FComfort range
HighHumidity
Background

Bulbophyllum is the largest genus of orchids by far, and the flowers vary wildly across it — some are a fraction of an inch, others hang in long chains, and a number of species are pollinated by flies and smell accordingly, closer to carrion than a flower. What unites the genus is a creeping rhizome that spreads horizontally rather than clumping upward, which is why many species are grown mounted on cork or a slab instead of potted.

Mounted plants have no reservoir of medium around the roots, so they dry out faster than a potted orchid and need more frequent watering or misting to compensate. It's a genus for collectors chasing variety rather than a single easy houseplant — expect real range in vigor and difficulty from one species to the next.

Similar bright, indirect light to a moth orchid; strong pseudobulbs and good leaf color are the sign it's getting enough.

Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterWater thoroughly, then let approach dryness between waterings, similar to other bark-grown orchids
Soil mixCoarse orchid bark, though species that spread horizontally are often mounted on cork or a slab instead of potted
HumidityHigh
Temperature60–85°F
DifficultyFussy
HabitTrailing
Mature sizeVaries hugely by species — from a few inches to several feet of spreading rhizome
PropagationDivide the creeping rhizome into sections, each with a few pseudobulbs attached
Watering & safety
How to water

Soak and drain fully; mounted specimens dry out faster and need more frequent misting

Drought tolerance

Low — keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.

Pet & child safety

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and people — safe around pets.

The routine

Soak and drain fully; mist mounted specimens more often since they hold no reservoir of medium

every 5–7 days, more for mounted plants

Feed with a dilute orchid fertiliser — 'weakly, weekly'

every 1–2 weeksGrowing season

A carrion-like scent from certain species while in bloom is normal, not a sign of a problem

Remount or repot only once it has clearly outgrown its mount or pot

Watch for
MealybugsScale