Bulbophyllum umbellatum

Also known as: The Umbrella Bulbophyllum or Phyllorkis umbellata Bulbophyllum umbellatum var. fuscescens Bulbophyllum umbellatum var. umbellatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan India Myanmar Nepal Thailand Tibet - China Yunnan - China

General Information

The Umbrella Bulbophyllum is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and China.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.3-22cm. Each new growth has a single leathery oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1-19cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-3.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 6mm to 545mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 51% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 4C to 24C, highest in April (18C to 24C) and lowest in January (4C to 16C).

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

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.