Bulbophyllum Gibbossum

Bulbophyllum gibbosum is a charming miniature epiphytic orchid celebrated for its plump, gibbous (swollen) pseudobulbs and clusters of small, vividly colored flowers, making it a rewarding choice for intermediate growers pursuing diverse Bulbophyllum collections.​

Detailed Description and Characteristics

This pseudobulbous epiphyte forms creeping rhizomes with clustered, ovoid-oblong pseudobulbs (1-2 cm long, prominently gibbous or humped) spaced 2-4 cm apart, each bearing a single elliptic leaf (3-5 cm long, fleshy, dark green). Inflorescences arise basally as short, erect spikes (3-6 cm) with 3-8 flowers (ca. 1 cm across): sepals and petals in bright yellow to orange-red with keels or hairs, hinged labellum for fly pollination, often with subtle markings; faint carrion scent. Mature plants reach 20-40 cm wide, with fine velamen roots.​

Origin and Habitat

Native to humid lowland and hill rainforests (sea level to 1000m) in Indonesia (Java, Sumatra), Malaysia, and the Philippines; epiphytic on tree trunks and branches in shaded, misty tropical canopies with constant high moisture and airflow. Warm-growing; vulnerable to habitat deforestation.​

Cultivation Guide

Best indoor lighting setup: East or north-facing window (2-3 hours morning sun, sheer curtain) or full-spectrum LED grow lights (10,000-20,000 lux, 12-14 hours/day, 6500K cool white at 40-60 cm height) for apple-green leaves; avoid direct hot sun. Temperature: Warm-intermediate, 21-30°C days/18-24°C nights (minimal drop). Humidity: 60-90% (humidifier, pebble tray, mist 2x daily). Water: Frequent (daily mounted, 3-5x/week potted), keep evenly moist—fine roots rot if dry/soggy. Fertilizer: 1/4 strength balanced (20-20-20) weekly year-round, flush salts monthly. Potting mix: Moisture-retentive yet open—40% medium orchid bark/30% live sphagnum moss/20% perlite/10% charcoal in shallow baskets or slatted pots; mounting on cork slabs ideal. Repot every 2-3 years in spring.​

Blooming Time and Propagation

Blooms spring through autumn (potentially multiple flushes year-round in humid conditions), flowers last 5-10 days in dense clusters. Propagate by rhizome division (spring, 3+ pseudobulbs per section with roots, sterile knife), heal in shaded high humidity; seed rare.​

Specialties, Uses, and Special Care

Specialty: Distinctive “humped” pseudobulbs and prolific colorful spikes highlight Bulbophyllum diversity—ornamental appeal despite fly-pollinating odor. Traditional uses include treating skin ailments and as diuretic in herbal medicine; primarily horticultural today. Special care: Strong airflow essential to combat fungal diseases from wetness; monitor for scale/snails; resilient but dislikes root disturbance or salt buildup.​