Bulbophyllum Lobbii

If you’re looking for a truly special orchid to add to your collection, the Bulbophyllum lobbii is a fantastic choice. This exotic orchid with fragrance and striking flowers is surprisingly manageable for growers ready to move beyond common Phalaenopsis.

Native to Southeast Asia, it brings a touch of the jungle to any growing space. Its unique form and seasonal performance make it a rewarding plant to care for. Let’s look at how you can successfully grow this remarkable species.

Often called Lobb’s Bulbophyllum, this orchid is known for its singular, large flower. The bloom emerges on a short stalk from the base of its pseudobulb. It typically features a creamy-yellow color with a hinged, mobile lip that can be reddish or purple.

The fragrance is a key part of its charm, though it’s not sweet. It’s often described as spicy or similar to ripe citrus. This scent is strongest in the morning and attracts its specific pollinators in the wild.

Optimal Growing Conditions

Getting the environment right is the biggest step to success. This orchid thrives in conditions that mimic its native habitat. Think warm, humid, and with gentle air movement.

Light: Provide bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, which should remain a light green color. You can use a sheer curtain to filter stronger light.
Temperature: Aim for warm to intermediate conditions. Daytime temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) are perfect. A nighttime drop to 60-65°F (15-18°C) is beneficial, especially to initiate flowering.
Humidity: This is crucial. Maintain humidity levels above 60%, ideally around 70-80%. A humidity tray, room humidifier, or grouping plants together can help achieve this.

Potting and Mounting Options

Bulbophyllum lobbii has a creeping rhizome that likes to travel. This growth habit influences how you should pot it.

Shallow Pots or Baskets: Use a wide, shallow pot or a wooden basket. This allows the rhizome to spread naturally without being constricted. Plastic nets baskets work very well.
Mounting: You can mount it on a piece of cork bark or tree fern plaque. This is an attractive option that suits its growth style. Remember, mounted plants dry out faster and need more frequent watering.
Potting Mix: Use a very open, fast-draining medium. A common mix includes fine to medium bark, perlite, and a little sphagnum moss. Some growers add charcoal to keep the mix fresh.

Watering and Feeding Your Plant

Consistent moisture is key, but soggy roots are a death sentence. The goal is to keep the potting mix evenly damp, not sopping wet.

Water thoroughly when the surface of the mix just begins to feel dry.
Let water run through the pot, ensuring the roots are fully hydrated.
Allow the plant to drain completely before placing it back in its spot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler, darker winter months, but never let the pseudobulbs shrivel severely.

For fertilizer, use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) at half-strength. Apply it every other week during the active growing season (spring through fall). In winter, cut back to once a month. It’s better to under-fertilize than overdo it, which can harm the roots.

Seasonal Care and Flowering

Your Bulbophyllum lobbii will give you clear signs of its growth cycle. New growths emerge from the base of the mature pseudobulbs. These develop into their own plump pseudobulbs over time.

Flowering usually occurs in late spring or summer. The flower spike appears from the base of a mature pseudobulb. To encourage blooming:

Ensure it gets that slight nighttime temperature drop.
Provide consistent light levels.
Avoid repotting right before the expected bloom time, as this can stress the plant.

Each exquisite flower can last for a week or more. After blooming, the plant may enter a short rest period before initiating new growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to handle common ones.

Yellowing Leaves

This can be from too much direct light or overwatering. Check your light exposure first. If the leaves are mushy, check the roots for rot caused by excess moisture.

Lack of Flowers

Insufficient light is the most common cause. Not enough of a temperature difference between day and night can also prevent blooming. Review your growing conditions.

Pests

Watch for scale or spider mites, especially in dry air. Increase humidity and inspect regularly. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following product instructions carefully. Isolate any affected plant to stop the spread.

Propagation and Repotting

You can propagate Bulbophyllum lobbii by division when you repot. This is best done as new growth starts, usually in the spring.

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off the old medium.
Identify natural divisions, ensuring each new section has at least 3-4 healthy pseudobulbs.
Using a sterile tool, cut the rhizome connecting the divisions.
Pot each division separately in fresh medium. Water lightly at first, then resume normal care as new roots establish.

Repotting is needed every 2-3 years or when the medium breaks down. The plant may also simply outgrow its container. Be gentle with the roots during the process.

FAQ About Bulbophyllum Lobbii

How strong is the fragrance of Bulbophyllum lobbii?
The scent is noticeable but not overpowering in a room. You typically need to be near the flower to appreciate its unique spicy-citrus aroma, which is strongest in the morning hours.

Is this orchid good for beginners?
It’s a great step for beginners who have mastered basic moth orchids. Its main demands are consistent humidity and careful watering, which are manageable with a little attention.

Can I grow it outdoors?
In warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-11), you can grow it in a shaded, protected spot with high humidity. In most other places, it’s best as an indoor or greenhouse plant.

Why are the pseudobulbs wrinkled?
Some wrinkling is normal on older pseudobulbs. Severe or widespread wrinkling usually indicates underwatering or root loss. Check your watering frequency and the health of the root system.

What’s the best potting mix for Bulbophyllum lobbii?
An airy mix based on fine fir bark with additions like perlite, charcoal, and a small amount of sphagnum moss is widely recommended. The key is excellent drainage.

Caring for a Bulbophyllum lobbii connects you to the incredible diversity of the orchid family. Its exotic appearance and intriguing fragrance offer a different kind of orchid experience. With the right balance of humidity, water, and light, you’ll be rewarded with its spectacular annual display. Paying attention to its seasonal rythms is the secret to long-term success. Start with a healthy plant, provide a stable environment, and enjoy the journey of growing this remarkable species.