Bulbophyllum interpositum J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel

In Between Bulbophyllum

Expert careEpiphyteNon-toxic3–8 cm

A miniature cool-growing epiphytic orchid from the montane forests of the East Himalaya — Bhutan, Sikkim, and southeastern Tibet — where it grows at around 1,800 m elevation on moss-covered tree bark in cool, humid cloud forest conditions. It belongs to section Ione (Orchidaceae) and was formally described in 2015, having previously been known as Sunipia intermedia and Ione intermedia. Each plant is tiny: ovoid, semi-transparent pseudobulbs spaced about 1.25 cm apart carry a single erect linear leaf, and the short zigzag inflorescence bears one or two small flowers roughly 1.25 cm across, typically in late spring. In cultivation it does best mounted on cork bark with a sphagnum moss backing inside a cool, very humid closed vivarium; temperatures above 24 °C will stress it.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 10–24 °C, and reaches 8 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 24°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Orchid mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Propagation

Divide established clumps during repotting or remounting in spring as new growth begins. Separate rhizome sections so each division carries at least one pseudobulb with a healthy root attachment and a leaf. Press onto fresh cork bark with a thin backing of live or dried sphagnum, secure with soft ties, and place in a cool, very humid closed environment with gentle air movement. Avoid warm temperatures during re-establishment — new root growth is the sign a division has settled. Success rates are modest when conditions stay cool and humid; warmth or drought quickly cause failure.

Native range

Native to China and Indian Subcontinent.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

Lance

Leaf texture

SmoothLeathery

Frequently asked

Can In Between Bulbophyllum grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. In Between Bulbophyllum prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does In Between Bulbophyllum need drainage?

In Between Bulbophyllum prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does In Between Bulbophyllum need?

In Between Bulbophyllum does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is In Between Bulbophyllum pet-safe?

In Between Bulbophyllum is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does In Between Bulbophyllum grow?

In Between Bulbophyllum typically reaches 3–8 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate In Between Bulbophyllum?

In Between Bulbophyllum can be propagated by division.

References

  1. 1

    IOSPE (orchidspecies.com) — Bulbophyllum interpositum (common name, distribution: SE Xizang/Bhutan/Sikkim at 1800 m, miniature cool-growing epiphyte, pseudobulb and flower size, linear leaf, zigzag inflorescence, synonyms)

    https://www.orchidspecies.com/sunintermedia.htm
  2. 2

    POWO (Kew) — Sunipia intermedia synonym page confirming accepted name as Bulbophyllum interpositum, IPNI ID 77145108-1

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:659495-1
  3. 3

    Wikidata — Bulbophyllum interpositum Q42732180 (taxonomic authority J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel 2015; GBIF 9281379; IPNI 77145108-1; published in Phytotaxa 197: 59)

    https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42732180
  4. 4

    Wikipedia — Bulbophyllum sect. Ione (section distribution: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar at 700–2900 m; 34 species)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunipia
  5. 5

    GBIF — Bulbophyllum interpositum species page (taxonomy, family Orchidaceae)

    https://www.gbif.org/species/9281379
  6. 6

    Orchideen Wlodarczyk / orchideen.de — Sunipia intermedia product page (plant size ~6 cm, flower ~1.5 cm, blooming May–June, semi-shade, moist, temperate, no rest period, block culture)

    https://www.orchideen.de/shop/catalog/sunipia-intermedia-p-1613.html
  7. 7

    American Orchid Society — Bulbophyllum Culture Sheet (humidity 60–90%, light 1000–3000 fc, perpetually moist, sphagnum/cork/treefern substrate)

    https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/care-sheets/bulbophyllum-culture-sheet
  8. 8

    Orchid Bliss — Orchid temperature ranges (cool grower: 10–24 °C day, 10°C minimum)

    https://orchidbliss.com/orchid-temperataure/
  9. 9

    ASPCA — Phalaenopsis Orchid (Orchidaceae non-toxic to cats and dogs; Bulbophyllum not listed as toxic)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/phalaenopsis-orchid