UK compost
What compost for strongly-scented bulbophyllum in the UK?
Bulbophyllum graveolens
More about strongly-scented bulbophyllum in the UK
Which compost strongly-scented bulbophyllum needs
For strongly-scented bulbophyllum the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Fine bark with perlite and sphagnum moss in a shallow pan or squat pot works well, as Bulbophyllum has creeping rhizomes that spread horizontally. Alternatively, mount on a large cork or tree-fern slab and mist frequently. Low, wide containers or baskets better accommodate the rhizome spread. Repot when rhizomes reach the container edge.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows strongly-scented bulbophyllum perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Strongly-Scented Bulbophyllum is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the strongly-scented bulbophyllum soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Strongly-Scented Bulbophyllum in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for strongly-scented bulbophyllum in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Fine bark with perlite and sphagnum moss in a shallow pan or squat pot works well, as Bulbophyllum has creeping rhizomes that spread horizontally. Alternatively, mount on a large cork or tree-fern slab and mist frequently. Low, wide containers or baskets better accommodate the rhizome spread. Repot when rhizomes reach the container edge. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for strongly-scented bulbophyllum?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for strongly-scented bulbophyllum. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow strongly-scented bulbophyllum perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does strongly-scented bulbophyllum need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does strongly-scented bulbophyllum need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fine to medium bark mix, or mounted on cork slab. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More strongly-scented bulbophyllum care
See the full strongly-scented bulbophyllum care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.