Name: Bulbophyllum smitinandii Seidenf. & Thorut
Synonyms:
Etymology: smitinandii honors the eminent Thai botanist Tem Smitinand (1920–1995), who made significant contributions to the study of Thailand’s flora.

First description: In 1996 by Gunnar Seidenfaden and Tem Smitinand (posthumously or jointly with Thorut) in the “Nordic Journal of Botany.”
Origin / Distribution:
Indochina (Thailand and Vietnam).
Location / Habitat:
Grows epiphytically in humid tropical lowland to montane forests. The species grows on tree trunks and larger branches in hot to warm climates, usually in partially shaded areas with high humidity year-round.
Description & Notes:
Bulbophyllum smitinandii belongs to section Sestochilus and is closely related to the Bulbophyllum lobbii complex. It is a small to medium-sized orchid with a creeping rhizome bearing ovoid, slightly ribbed pseudobulbs at regular intervals. Each pseudobulb bears a single, upright, leathery, oblong-lanceolate leaf. The inflorescences emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs and each bear a single spectacular flower, which can reach up to 5 cm in size. The waxy flowers are yellowish cream to ochre, often elegantly striped or finely spotted, and have a movable lip typical of the genus.

In cultivation, the species requires warm to intermediate conditions and does not tolerate marked cold. Because of its creeping growth habit, it grows very well mounted on cork or tree-fern root slabs, but can also be cultivated in shallow bowls or baskets. As it originates from a humid tropical biome, it requires high humidity year-round (60–80%) and regular watering. The substrate should be very airy (e.g., medium-grade pine bark with a little sphagnum moss) and may dry out slightly between waterings, but should never dry out completely for extended periods. Good, continuous air movement is important to prevent fungal diseases on the leaves.

In-vitro culture: You will receive a flask containing 4 young plants. The plants are usually large enough to be removed from the flask. After opening, carefully rinse all the nutrient medium from the roots with lukewarm water and place the young plants in a very fine, airy substrate. We recommend high humidity, warm conditions, and bright, sheltered light during the first few weeks; then gradually acclimate them to the normal cultivation conditions for Bulbophyllum.