Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis - Phalaenopsis gigantea-like Bulbophyllum flowers are red purple with fine yellow spots and yellow hairs...
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis, also called as Phalaenopsis gigantea-like Bulbophyllum, is a species of the genus Bulbophyllum. This species was described by Johannes Jacobus Smith in 1937.
IDENTIFY BULBOPHYLLUM PHALAENOPSIS - PHALAENOPSIS GIGANTEA-LIKE BULBOPHYLLUM
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is native to New Guinea. It is found growing
in lowland forests at elevations of no more than 500 meters above sea
level.
It is a large sized, hot growing epiphytic species which reaching a height of about 30 cm with purplish green, closely spaced, broadly ellipsoid pseudobulbs.The leaves are very large, purplish green, pendulous, sessile, obliquely oblong-ligulate, somewhat falcate, narrowed to the base, very thick-coriaceous, keeled below along the midvein, apex almost retuse, slightly recurved.
Phalaenopsis gigantea-like Bulbophyllum can bloom at any time of the year from the very short, densely 4-11 flowered inflorescence. The flowers are red purple with fine yellow spots and yellow hairs. Its flowers' fragrance is that of rotting meat that attracts flies which pollinate them.
BULBOPHYLLUM PHALAENOPSIS - PHALAENOPSIS GIGANTEA-LIKE BULBOPHYLLUM CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis need intermediate light about 10000-15000 lux. Higher light, that does not damage the leaves, seems to result in better and more frequent blooming. They can be grown indoors providing they receive good light.
Temperature:
Phalaenopsis gigantea-like Bulbophyllum require warm temperatures from 21-27°C but will be comfortable in a temperature range of 10 to 30°C. They will not tolerate frosts. They need a temperature drop of about 6-8°C at night for flowering.
Humidity:
This plant prefer high levels of humidity (about 70%) and very good air circulation year round. Good air movement is important to reduce the problem of leaf fungal disease due to frequent watering.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis can be grown mounted on slabs of cork or tree fern. However, the species can be grown in shallow pots, or even baskets. One requirement is to retain enough moisture at the root, as the plant don’t like to dry out. The rhizome can be trained to stay in the pot by bending them, eventually cutting the old bulbs and leaving them in place, so they will provide additional growth in the pot. Sphagnum has been popular because it retains a lot of moisture, which is what these plants prefer when in active growth; however when it decays or starts to retain too many salts, the plants will have problems. A mixture of small bark and perlite is also suitable.
Repot as infrequently as possible. Repotting is best done in spring or autumn when new growth appears at a frequency of about every 3 years.
Watering:
Phalaenopsis gigantea-like Bulbophyllum need to have ample water supply when the plants are in active growth, and a drought of even a couple of days is enough to kill the new growths and set back the plant. Due to their shallow fine root system they need to have constant moisture around their roots, however depending on their origin, some need a distinct wet and dry period to flower. The potting mix should never be allowed to dry out completely. They can be kept slightly drier in winter.
Fertilizer:
A balanced weak liquid fertilizer about once per month to weekly is recommended. They also enjoy fish emulsion and other organic fertilizers.
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