Bulbophyllums Are Some of the Weirdest Orchids
Bulbophyllums are one of the largest and strangest orchid families in the world. With over 2000 species and a growing number of hybrids, they have ridiculously diverse flower forms. Some of their blooms are large, some are tiny, and some don’t look like flowers at all. They all have fascinating, hinged floral lips which jiggle in a breeze.
Different varieties are scentless or have pleasant fragrances, but many have foul scents, reeking of putrid flesh or feces, to attract the flies which pollinate them. A few Bulbophyllums have inspired an infamous claim that they stink like “a thousand dead elephants rotting in the sun.” This malodorous reputation limits their popularity, and it is a good idea to smell one before you buy it to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Bulbophyllums circle the globe. Many are native to New Guinea and southern Asia, while others span the tropics into Africa, Latin America, and Pacific islands. Most are warm growers which need bright light, frequent waterings, high humidity, and good air movement. Their spreading growth habits make them tough to confine to pots, but they’re suited to mounts and baskets.
For orchid growers who like the strange and fantastic, Bulbophyllums are some of the most bizarre. No collection of weird orchids would be complete without them.
Explore posts in the same categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Photos, Warm Growers, Watering
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