Bulbophyllum barbigerum

Bulbophyllum barbigerum

In vitro pot containing a minimum of 15 plants (more depending on the species)

Origin and classification

• Type : Natural epiphytic species (sometimes lithophytic).

• Regions of origin :

  • Southeast Asia :

    • Thailand (southern provinces such as Krabi, Phang Nga, and the islands of the Andaman Sea).

    • Peninsular Malaysia (States of Perak, Pahang, and Johor).

    • Indonesia :

      • Sumatra (provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and Lampung).

      • Borneo (Kalimantan, particularly in the lowland forests).

• Natural habitat :

  • Damp and shady forests at low to medium altitude (0-800 meters).

  • It grows on tree trunks or mossy rocks , in well-ventilated areas.

• Family : Orchidaceae (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Dendrobieae).

Appearance

• Size : Medium orchid (20-40 cm tall), with sympodial growth (creeping rhizome).

• Pseudobulbs :

  • Small and ovoid (2-3 cm long), spaced along the rhizome, yellowish-green in color.

• Leaves :

  • Lanceolate , leathery, dark green (8-15 cm long).

  • One leaf per pseudobulb, arranged in a fan shape.

• Roots : Thin, hairy, and silvery in the light, typical of epiphytic orchids.

Flowers

• Shape :

  • Inflorescences in clusters (5-15 flowers per stem), borne on a thin, arched peduncle (10-20 cm long).

  • Hairy and fleshy flowers, with recurved sepals and petals and a mobile lip.

  • The "bearded" appearance is due to the densely arranged hairs on the sepals.

• Color :

  • Sepals and petals pale yellow to light green , often speckled with purple or brown .

  • Dark purple or brown labellum, sometimes striated.

• Scent :

  • Very intense , reminiscent of lemongrass, ginger or lemon .

  • The fragrance is more pronounced in the morning and early evening.

• Flower size : 2-3 cm in diameter.

• Flowering time : 10-14 days per flower, but the flower stalk can produce flowers for 3-4 weeks .

• Flowering period :

  • Spring to summer (March to July in the northern hemisphere).

  • In its natural environment, flowering coincides with the rainy season in its regions of origin.

Culture

Ideal conditions (inspired by its natural habitat)

• Climate :

  • Temperature :

    • Day: 24-30°C (simulates the heat of tropical forests).

    • Night: 18-20°C (day/night difference is essential to trigger flowering).

    • Minimum: 15°C (avoid temperatures below 12°C).

  • Humidity : 70-85% (as in the rainforests of Southeast Asia).

    • Use a humidifier or grow in a humid greenhouse .

    • Daily misting is recommended.

• Light :

  • Light shade to partial shade (40-60% shade), such as under a forest canopy.

  • Avoid direct sunlight (risk of leaf burn).

  • Ideal: East or north facing window, or under soft artificial light (broad spectrum horticultural LEDs).

• Watering :

  • All year round : Keep the substrate slightly moist , but not excessively so.