Bulbophyllum wendlandianum
A small-sized, epiphytic, evergreen, warm to cool growing orchid species. Each pseudobulb, which is a morphological adaptation of stem for storing water and nutrients, carries single green, leathery leaf. Rhizome is approximately 4cm long between each pseudobulb. Flowering stems arise from the tip of newly formed pseudobulbs and carry up to 7 simultaneously opening flowers, arranged in tight umbels. Each flower is up to 15cm long, with red and yellow lateral sepals fused, facing downwards. Dorsal sepal is short, fringed, creating a ''cap'' above the centre of flower.
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 | Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red 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 the UK
- 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
- Madagascar to 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 accommodated in wide, shallow pots or baskets. Provide enough filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Plants require high humidity of 60 - 80 % and frequent misting/watering. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. Ideal temperatures are around minimum 15°C at night and up to maximum 30 °C during day.
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 sufficient 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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