Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum

Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum is native to southern Yunnan in China, as well as Laos and Vietnam, where it grows at elevations of about 700–800 meters. It occurs in sparse forests and on limestone slopes, either as an epiphyte on trees or as a lithophyte on rocks.

Features:

• A small-sized orchid with a creeping rhizome.

• Pseudobulbs ovoid, spaced about 4–9 cm (1.6–3.6 in) apart along the rhizome.

• Each pseudobulb carries a single apical leaf, erect, somewhat fleshy, oblong to obovate-oblong, narrowing gradually below into a petiolate base.

• Flowering season: Spring.

• Inflorescence emerges basally (from the base), suberect, subumbellate, bearing 3 to 6 flowers, length about 19-26 cm.

• Flowers are small (~1.5 cm / 0.6 in) in size.

• Color: sepals and petals are yellow with purple (or maroon) spotting; labellum (lip) is purple.

Care Tips:

• Temperature: hot / warm-growing; tolerates warm, humid conditions.

• Light: bright, but not direct harsh sunlight; moderate to high, filtered.

• Humidity: high humidity preferred; keep moist especially in warm seasons.

• Potting / mounting: can grow on rocks (lithophytic) or on trees; in cultivation often with loose, moisture-retaining media (e.g. sphagnum moss).

• Water‐ing schedule: keep media moist in summer; allow slight drying in winter.