Bulbo. maxillare (syn. blumei)
A Bulbophyllum that looks like a Masdevallia! This orchid has been causing confusion for botanists since it was first discovered in 1843! Subtle differences between plants created some controversy, but it is mostly settled today and Bulbo. maxillare is indeed considered by most to be its own species.
The orchid should bloom from spring to fall with flowers up to 6cm in size, with two gorgeous tails on each flower!
Bloom closes during evening and reopens at sunrise in the wild.Ā
"File:Bulb.masdevalliaceum flwr close (2314540261) cropped.jpg"Ā byĀ Airborne PilotĀ is licensed underĀ CC BY-SA 2.0
"File:Bulbophyllum maxillare (Lindl.) Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers, Ann. Bot. Syst. 6 248 (1861) (47589033831).jpg"Ā byĀ sunoochi from Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanĀ is licensed underĀ CC BY 2.0
"File:Bulbophyllum maxillare (Lindl.) Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers, Ann. Bot. Syst. 6 248 (1861) (46865057334).jpg"Ā byĀ sunoochi from Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanĀ is licensed underĀ CC BY 2.0
Cultural and care information
*Cultural and care information basedĀ on average BulbophyllumĀ care. Almost all Bulbophyllum are great in terrariums. Use this as guide and should be adapted to suit your environment
š”Ā Temp: Mostly Warm/Hot to Intermediate-WarmĀ (23-32Ā°C day - 18-24Ā°C night/winter) 4-6Ā°C difference day/night. Prefers warm 24Ā°C+ -Ā warm to hot temperature induces spike (flowering)
š§Ā Water: Wet to almost dry, never allow complete dryout. Reverse Osmosis / Distilled or Rain water is best. DO NOT use ice cubes.
āļøHumidity:Ā 40%+min for larger houseplant size as long as substrate is kept moist (50-90% optimal for miniature/small or mounted, ideal for terrariums)
š”Ā Light:Ā Bright indirect (East Morning or Sunset Light direct, Mid-summer day indirect) year round.Ā Artificial supplementary light recommended in winter or low light homes. 10-12 hour light periodĀ and strong enough light that does not damage leaves will encourage flowering.Ā
š°Media: Our preference is a shallow layer of Sphagnum Moss in a wide shallow pot as their growth habit sends out many rhizomes. Live moss is an amazing combination with Bulbos. Leca bottom to allow drainage and water reservoir.
Other common potting media options are coir (coconut chips or fibers) and tree fern. Any can be mounted on cork slabs.
š§Ŗ:Ā Fertilize:Ā When it's actively growing in vegetative stage -Ā typically when a new growth or bulb emerges and is growing. We recommend MSUĀ &Ā MarphyllĀ rotation in low dosage every other or 3 watering and allow water flushing in between.Ā
āØĀ Tip: See our guide to Bulbophyllum here.
*Images are forĀ reference purposes only and may differ from the actual product. Due to variations of each individual plant, differences in monitors, colours of products may also appear different to those shown on the site.