Bulbophyllum gibbosum is a small, epiphytic orchid species from tropical Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of southern China. It grows via creeping rhizomes that produce small cylindrical pseudobulbs, each topped with a single oval to lance-shaped leaf. The leaves are leathery and mid-green, emerging upright or arching slightly from the pseudobulbs. Flowering occurs in summer and early autumn, producing a loosely arranged raceme of translucent cream or yellowish flowers on arching stems. The flowers have a distinctive lip that is mobile and slightly gibbous (swollen), which aids in attracting fly pollinators.
This orchid exhibits a spreading, mat-forming growth habit and is well suited to mounting or shallow containers with airy substrates. The flowers are faintly fragrant and tend to appear sequentially, offering prolonged visual interest over several weeks.
Native to:
Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Typically found at low to mid elevations (300–1,200 m) in warm, humid tropical forests, growing epiphytically on tree trunks and branches in shaded, moist conditions.
Water:
Requires evenly moist conditions throughout the year. Allow the substrate to approach slight dryness between waterings, but never let it dry out completely. Use rainwater, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water to avoid salt accumulation. Mounted plants may require daily misting, while potted ones should be watered every few days, depending on substrate and humidity levels.
Light:
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Humidity:
Thrives in high humidity environments, ideally between 70% and 90%. Due to its compact size and humidity needs, it is highly recommended for terrarium growing in the UK. Provide consistent moisture through misting or a humidifier, and ensure good airflow to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
Temperature:
Prefers warm to intermediate temperatures. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 20–27 °C, with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 15 °C. It does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 12 °C for extended periods.
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We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for.
Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting so they are in active growth when arriving with you.
The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
If you have any questions about caring for your plants or setting up your home for success, don't hesitate to contact us.
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We've tested and refined our packaging across tens of thousands of orders over the years. Our streamlined system uses minimal materials while ensuring maximum protection.
Plus, every plant comes with a 7-day live arrival guarantee—so if the unexpected happens, we've got you covered!
We're a team of plant enthusiasts who understand the joy of receiving a new plant. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure every order brings the same excitement.
Our packaging process is designed with quality control at its core—each plant is carefully inspected by hand before shipping to guarantee it arrives healthy, pest-free, and in perfect condition.
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