Bulbophyllum odoratissimum
Also known as: The Fragrant Bulbophyllum or Tribrachia odoratissima Phyllorkis odoratissima Stelis caudata Stelis odoratissima Bulbophyllum odoratissimum var. racemosum Bulbophyllum trichocephalum var. wallongense Cirrhopetalum trichocephalum Bulbophyllum hyacinthiodorum Bulbophyllum trichocephalum var. racemosum Bulbophyllum trichocephalum var. capitatum Bulbophyllum trichocephalum Bulbophyllum odoratissimum var. odoratissimum Bulbophyllum congestum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Fujian - China Guangdong - China Myanmar Nepal Thailand West Bengal - India Yunnan - China
General Information
The Fragrant Bulbophyllum is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and India.
Plant Description
Grows to 0.4-18cm. Each new growth has a single leathery oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.8-13.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Fine
- Bark
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Care Notes
These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.
These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.
Fragrant:- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 798mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 73% to 95%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 4C to 22C, highest in July (17C to 22C) and lowest in January (4C to 11C).
Watering
These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.
Fertiliser
Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.Potting
It's best to observe the root system when repotting and use that as a guide:
A plant with a short root system will do better in a shallower pot with a fine mix, or mounted on fern or cork supplanted with a good amount of moss or similar material.
A plant with a long root system often does well in a pot filled with moss or fine media, mixing in perlite and charcoal is always beneficial to reduce the likelihood of the mix becoming soggy and keeps it fresh.
A plant with a coarser long root system can be potted in a deeper pot, but with 2/3 coarse material such as bark, expanded clay, or coco chips and topped with moss or similar material. This will allow the moisture to remain inside the pot but give the roots air as well.
This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs or Stone slabs. Repotting is best done annually.
