Bulbophyllum lichenoides Plant Care
Bulbophyllum lichenoides Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique orchid species is known for its tiny, succulent-like leaves that grow in dense clusters. Originating from the rainforests of Madagascar, Bulbophyllum lichenoides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its exotic appearance and challenging care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled shade
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Water Bulbophyllum lichenoides every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bulbophyllum lichenoides Native To?
What Is the Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides (Bulbophyllum lichenoides) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Bulbophyllum genus. Bulbophyllum lichenoides is native to New Guinea, growing on trees in rainforests at elevations around 800 meters.
Bulbophyllum lichenoides displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bulbophyllum lichenoides produces unique, intricate flowers often with complex shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bulbophyllum lichenoides Need?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Bulbophyllum lichenoides in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bulbophyllum lichenoides Prefer?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bulbophyllum lichenoides prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Bulbophyllum lichenoides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Feed Bulbophyllum lichenoides every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bulbophyllum acuminatum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bulbophyllum lichenoides Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum lichenoides, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bulbophyllum lichenoides?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bulbophyllum lichenoides Need?
Bulbophyllum lichenoides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bulbophyllum lichenoides is native to New Guinea, growing on trees in rainforests at elevations around 800 meters. In cooler regions, grow Bulbophyllum lichenoides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Bulbophyllum lichenoides is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bulbophyllum genus — compare its care with other Bulbophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Bulbophyllum is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Bulbophyllum lichenoides thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bulbophyllum Species
Other Bulbophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bulbophyllum lichenoides Schltr., family Orchidaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1: 808 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum lichenoides, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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