Bulbophylums

Related to the smaller-growing Aerangis are the lovely angraecums. These superb epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids come from all over southern Africa and Madagascar.

The monopodial plants vary in size, and, of the 200 or so species, many can be found in cultivation. Among the smallest is Angraecum distichum, a dwarf plant with plaited (braided), herringbonelike foliage, whose oval leaves overlap along a curving rhizome, which rarely exceeds 15cm (Gin) in length. The minute flowers (5mm/Yin wide) are produced singly all over the plant, to resemble stars in a night sky. The giants of the genus include the magnificent A. sesquipedale.

All the plants are evergreen and epiphytic, some of the barbigerum smaller species being known as “twig epiphytes” because they cling to the very extremities of the smallest branches. Bulbophyllums are widely distributed throughout South-east Asia as well as Africa, Australia and tropical America. They must be regarded as one of the most successful genera among the orchids.

Grow smaller angraecums in half pots or mounted on pieces of cork bark. The larger plants need to be grown in pots with an open, coarse compost (growing medium).

The numerous flowering spikes that are produced will cover the plant to create a most eye-catching sight. These are really fun orchids to grow, but watch out for the bad-smelling ones. Go instead for those gems with a rocking lip, such as Bulbophyllum lobbii, or those with the amazingly long sepals, such as B. medusae, or the alluring, tantalizingly mobile flowers of B. barbigerwn. You will not be disappointed.

Bifrena ria harrisoniae is a most pleasing species for the cool greenhouse or indoors, the large flowers, 8cm (3in) wide, which bloom in early summer, are waxy, creamy white and have a deep mauve, hairy lip. One to two flowers are produced on a short spike below the leaves.

Orchids growing on bark will require constant spraying with water over the leaves. Once a week, add a feed to the hand-held spray bottle, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.