Bulbophyllum picturatum
Small-sized, warm to cool growing epiphytic orchid species with typical, spreading, rhizomatous growth. Each pseudobulb - which is a morphological adaptation of stem for storing water and nutrients, carries one cm long green, leathery leaf. Flowering stems appear from the base of older pseudobulbs and carry 5-10 unusual-looking flowers, arranged it tight umbels. Each flower is approximately 5cm long, with two side sepals fused downwards, along most of the length. Dorsal sepal is short, creating a ''cap'' above the centre of flower with intricate tiny petals, yellow column and dark red lip.
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Cream Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
A large, diverse genus of mainly epiphytic, sympodial tropical orchids, producing a clump of small pseudobulbs, which serve as plant’s storage for water and nutrients. Most species carry one leaf on top of each pseudobulb. Over 2000 species have been described and accepted
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- India to China & SE Asia
How to grow
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 acommodated in wide, shallow pots or baskets. Provide enough filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Plants require high humidity and frequent watering. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. Ideal temperatures are around minimum 14°C at night and up to maximum 30 °C during day. For best flowering, amplitudes of temperatures between daytime and night should be at least 8 -10 °C, even more in summer months.
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 suffient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent flower stem at the base.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects infestations.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
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