Bulbophyllum retusiusculum Plant Care
Bulbophyllum sillenianum Rchb.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique accordion-like leaves, this orchid originates from the Philippines and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and striking appearance. The intricate foliage of Bulbophyllum sillenianum is sure to stand out in any collection, making it a must-have for enthusiasts looking for something truly special.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect to dappled shade
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bulbophyllum retusiusculum?
Water Bulbophyllum retusiusculum every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled shade. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Bulbophyllum retusiusculum Native To?
What Is the Bulbophyllum retusiusculum?
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum (Bulbophyllum sillenianum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Bulbophyllum genus. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum is native to Myanmar. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum is also known as Cirrhopetalum retusiusculum, Phyllorkis silleniana.
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum produces unique, intricate flowers often with complex shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bulbophyllum retusiusculum?
Bulbophyllum sillenianum requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bulbophyllum retusiusculum Need?
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Bulbophyllum retusiusculum 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 retusiusculum Prefer?
Bulbophyllum sillenianum grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bulbophyllum retusiusculum?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Bulbophyllum retusiusculum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bulbophyllum retusiusculum?
Feed Bulbophyllum retusiusculum every month 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 month
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 retusiusculum?
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 retusiusculum?
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum 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 retusiusculum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum retusiusculum, 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 retusiusculum?
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum 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 retusiusculum Need?
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum is native to Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Bulbophyllum retusiusculum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum 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 retusiusculum 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 sillenianum Rchb.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Gard. Chron. n.s., 1884: 166 1884) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bulbophyllum retusiusculum, 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 10b – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species