Bulbophyllum lobbii gigantea 'Caramel Sundae'

Bulbophyllum lobbii, which has relatively large flowers that measure 8-10 cm across and last up to a month in good condition. The yellow flowers, borne singly, have a hinged labellum that nods up and down in the slightest breeze, a feature designed to catch the attention of passing pollinators. The first flowers on my plants open early in January, but a few late flowers still remain as I write in late March. My plants grow and flower quite satisfactorily in a glasshouse at a minimum temperature of 11 °C but would probably do better if provided with a little more warmth in winter.

Text Brian Millagan