Bulbophyllum lobbii is also known as Lobb's Bulbophyllum
Synonyms:
Bullbophyllum claptonense
Bullbophyllum henshallii
Bulbophyllum lobbii var henshallii
Bulbophyllum lobbii var siamense
Bulbophyllum siamense
Phyllorchis lobbii
Sarcobodium lobbii
Sarcopodium lobbii
Sarcopodium lobbii var henshallii
Sestochilos uniflorum
It is a species of the genus Bulbophyllum. This species was described by Lindley in 1847.
Bulbophyllum lobbii is native to Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat extends southward from Assam in India, to Burma and Thailand, through the Malaysia Peninsula, reaching to the islands of Borneo, Sumatra and Java. It grows at an altitude of 750-2000 m. It also occurs on the Philippine islands of Luzon and Palawan, at heights of 1000-1500 m. It is a unifoliate, small to medium sized, hot to warm growing epiphytic which can reach the height of about 30 cm. The large, fragrant, single flower arising on each new pseudobulb. The flowers open completely and may be 7-10 cm in diameter.
Light:
Bulbophyllum lobbii needs a light level of 15000-20000 lux and needs to be kept in shade.
Temperature:
It is a plant with moderate thermal requirements. Throughout the year, the growing conditions undergo very small fluctuations. The average temperature of the day is 24-26°C, at night 14-15°C, with a daily amplitude of 9-11°C.
Humidity:
Lobb's Bulbophyllum needs a humidity level of about 75-80% throughout the year. Keep good air movement to avoid fungal growth.
Substrate, growing media:
Bulbophyllum lobbii are usually grown in pots or baskets, using a loose, fast-drying substrate. Different amounts of humectant additives, such as perlite or cut sphagnum moss, can be mixed with a basic material consisting of small to medium sized pieces of pine bark or tree fern fiber. It is better to use a fern, because it does not decompose as quickly as a bark, which means frequently repots are not needed.
Repotting:
When the plant grows out of the basket, it can be completely transferred to a larger one without disturbing the roots. This is important because these plants do not like to be repotted and can sometimes recover after dividing or transplanting for one year. If repotting is necessary, it is best to do it when the new roots are already starting to grow, to allow the plant to root as quickly as possible.
Watering:
Water is abundant throughout the year, with a short, slightly drier period in winter and the next in late spring or early summer. The substrate of cultivated plants should be moist and should never dry out.
Fertilizer:
Bulbophyllum lobbii should be fertilized every week with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids. A fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is beneficial from spring to mid-summer, and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer can be used in late summer and autumn. Higher phosphorus content stimulates better flowering in the next season and promotes hardening of new growth before winter. To avoid the accumulation of mineral deposits during periods of strong fertilization, it is recommended to rinse the substrate every few weeks. Rinsing is particularly important where the water is highly mineralized.
Rest period:
In winter, Bulbophyllum lobbii should be allowed to lightly dry between waterings, but they should not completely dry out or remain without water. Watering and fertilization should be slightly reduced during colder, darker winter months.