Bulbophyllum lobbii - exemplare dezvoltate

Bulbophyllum lobbii, also known as Lobb's Bulbophyllum or Thailand Bulbophyllum, is an epiphytic orchid from the Orchidaceae family, valued for its large, fragrant flowers and exotic appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, this species is ideal for collectors and orchid enthusiasts due to its spectacular blooming and moderate care requirements.

Leaf and Flower Appearance

• Leaves: The leaves are singular, elliptical, 5-10 cm long, dark green, with a leathery texture. Each pseudobulb carries a single leaf at the tip, creating an attractive contrast with the flowers.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, 7.5-10 cm, solitary, appearing on 15 cm flower stalks, in summer or spring-autumn depending on conditions. They have a golden-yellow or cream color, with brown or purple markings, and a movable lip (labellum) of deep purple that swings, attracting pollinators. The flowers are fragrant, with a pleasant floral scent, unlike other Bulbophyllum species with unpleasant odors.

Growth Characteristics

• Height and Width: Reaches 20-40 cm in height, including the flower stalk, and 15-30 cm in width, forming a compact plant with conical pseudobulbs well spaced along the rhizome.
• Vigor: Moderate, sympodial growth, with new pseudobulbs appearing annually. Suitable for pots, baskets, or mounted on bark.
• Type: Perennial, evergreen epiphytic orchid.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers moderate indirect light (15000-20000 lux), ideal near an east or shaded south window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
• Soil: Grows in a porous, well-drained substrate such as sphagnum moss, pine bark, or fern fiber, which retains moisture without compacting. Can be mounted on bark with roots frequently misted.
• Watering: Water frequently, 3-5 times per week in summer, keeping the substrate moist but not soaked. In winter, reduce watering to once a week, allowing the substrate to dry slightly. Use rainwater or distilled water.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures of 24-28°C during the day and 14-15°C at night, with a daily difference of 9-11°C. Avoid temperatures above 35°C or below 15°C.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Ensure good air circulation.

Care and Hardiness

• Hardiness: Resistant to indoor conditions but sensitive to overwatering and direct light. Can be affected by fungi or mites; provide ventilation and treat with fungicides when necessary. Tolerates low humidity temporarily.
• Fertilizing: Apply an orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 diluted to 1/4 strength) weekly in spring and summer. Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in autumn to stimulate flowering. Rinse the substrate monthly to prevent mineral buildup.
• Cleaning: Remove dried flower stalks and damaged leaves with sterile tools. Maintaining hygiene is very important.
• Propagation: Propagated by dividing the rhizome, separating mature pseudobulbs with healthy roots in spring.

Bulbophyllum lobbii is ideal for orchid collections, decorative pots, hanging baskets, or mounted on bark in terrariums. Its yellow flowers with purple markings add an exotic touch to tropical or minimalist décor. It pairs well with other epiphytic orchids such as Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium. It attracts pollinators in its natural environment.

Origin

Native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Philippines, and Thailand, it grows in low-altitude tropical forests (200-2000 m), on tree trunks and branches. Named after Thomas Lobb, who introduced it to England in 1846, this species is popular in ornamental horticulture.

The ceramic pot is not included in the price.

Note: At the time of listing, all specimens have flowers or buds – however, these may be lost before delivery. The price applies to a plant with or without flowers.