Bulbophyllum imbricatum

Bulbophyllum imbricatum is native to tropical West and Central Africa (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Central African Republic, Congo, Zaire). Bulbophyllum imbricatum occurs from sea level up to about 800‑1000 meters elevation, in lowland to lower submontane forests.

Features:

• Epiphytic orchid with slightly compressed, narrowly ovoid or ovoid pseudobulbs that are 3- to 4-angled. Each pseudobulb bears 1-3 apical leaves (linear to lanceolate, thick/fleshy).

• Flowers: many small flowers on a long inflorescence (up to ~60 cm), erect to arching, flattened/swollen (“imbricate”) brown-to-black or dark-colored rachis. Flowers spaced about every 6 mm along each side of the rachis.

• Floral colors vary: sepals and petals cream, orange, yellow to greenish, often with dark marbling or spotting; lip pale whitish to greenish with purple or dark spots in some specimens.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.

• Temperature: Hot to warm conditions. Daytime temps in the mid-20s to low 30s °C (≈75-90 °F), with nights a bit cooler but seldom below ~18-20 °C.

• Humidity & Air Circulation: High humidity is essential; good airflow helps prevent fungal/bacterial issues in its humid native habitat.

• Watering: Keep media or mount moist but not soggy. Let top layer dry slightly before rewatering; avoid letting pseudobulbs stay dry long.

• Potting / Mounting: Best in well-draining epiphytic mix or mounted on bark/slabs; provide good drainage and avoid waterlogging.

• Growing Location / Environment: Mimic lowland tropical forest settings: shady understory with filtered light, protection from strong midday sun; stable warm humid atmosphere.