Bulbophyllum rothschildianum
Bulbophyllum rothschildianum is an orchid with real impact and it is always a treat when the vivid red and deep pink, intricate and large flowers open.
Bulbophyllum rothschildianum is native the Eastern Himalayan region of Southern China, North East India and Burma where it is reported from lowland warm forest up to cool evergreen forests. We have explored the cool forests around Darjeeling where it was first recorded and the warmer lowland forests of Arunachal Pradesh where the species is also found. These forests have a very wet summer when growth occurs but a much dryer winter which is the flowering time. We find the species does well in both baskets or pots but appreciated good drainage and watering regularly even in winter so that the bulbs do not shrivel. We grow the species very successfully in our Cloud Forest Greenhouse (min 12C) and indoors, both in our IKEA growth cabinets under lights (Min 17C) and in a bedroom (min 15C) showing the tolerance of the species to temperatures.
The flowers smell quite strongly of fresh fish (we think mackerel) which is quite pleasant as long as you are expecting it. We presume that the fly pollinators find it irresistible. The plant is quite compact but puts a lot of effort to present the flowers on long spikes well clear of the leaves.