These orchids are found in diverse habitats throughout most of the warmer parts of the world including Africa, southern Asia, Latin America, the West Indies, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

[3] Orchids in this genus have thread-like or fibrous roots that creep over the surface of trees or rocks or hang from branches.

Several attempts have been made to separate Bulbophyllum into smaller genera, but most have not been accepted by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.

Plants in the genus Bulbophyllum are epiphytic or lithophytic sympodial herbs with thread-like or fibrous roots that creep over the surface on which they grow.

This large number and the great variety of its forms make the genus a considerable challenge for taxonomists: 120 sections and subgenera have been listed.

The plants require high humidity combined with good air movement and most of them are ever-blooming - flowering continuously throughout the year.

They can grow continuously year round with no apparent dormancy period if they are kept warm, are moderate feeders in cultivation, and must be kept moist all the time.

They can tolerate dryness for short periods, but they have fine root systems which require moist conditions all the time.

They are easy to maintain once a good environment is established with high humidity and a fresh, buoyant, lightly circulating atmosphere being critical.

[30] The flowers produce various odors resembling sap, urine, blood, dung, carrion, and, in some species, fragrant fruity aromas.