Bulbophyllum yingjiangense

Bulbophyllum yingjiangense B.M. Wang & J.W. Zhai was formally described in 2017. It is found in subtropical regions from Bhutan to Yunnan Province in southwestern China. This species grows as a cool-growing epiphyte on tree trunks in montane forests at elevations of 1,400–1,700 meters.

Features:

• Features a stout rhizome with well-spaced, ovoid pseudobulbs, each distinctly four-ridged, smooth, and glossy.

• Each pseudobulb supports a single, thick-leathery, sub-elliptic leaf with a petiolate base and a waxy appearance on the upper surface.

• Flowers: Held in fall on an erect peduncle (10–13 cm long) emerging from the base. The inflorescence is an umbel consisting of 2–4 yellowish-green flowers (~2 cm wide).

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright indirect light, mimicking shaded montane forest canopy. Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.

• Temperature: Prefers cool to intermediate temperatures, likely ranging from corresponding to its 1,400–1,700 m elevation habitat—typically 15–25 °C (60–77 °F).

• Humidity & Airflow:

  • Requires high humidity, ideally above 60%, consistent with its montane forest environment.

  • Ensure good air circulation to reduce risk of fungal diseases and rot.

• Watering: Keep the growing medium evenly moist, not waterlogged. Allow slight drying between waterings.

• Potting Medium & Mounting:

  • Use an airy, well-draining mix (e.g., fine bark, sphagnum moss, perlite) or consider mounting on cork or tree fern for natural epiphytic growth.

• Repotting: Refresh or repot every 2–3 years or when the medium decomposes, ideally timed with new growth.

• Fertilization: Apply a highly diluted balanced orchid fertilizer during active growth phases.