Description of Bartholina Burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl.
Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl. is a terrestrial orchid species of the Bartholina genus. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The plant is also commonly referred to as Burmann's orchid, and locally known as "Angrek Rusa".
General Appearance
The plant is a herbaceous perennial with a robust and upright growth habit, typically reaching heights of up to 50 centimeters. It has a single stem, with linear-lanceolate leaves arranged in an alternate pattern along the entire length of the stem. The basal leaves are 10-20 centimeters long, while the upper leaves are smaller, measuring about 5 centimeters in length.
The flower stem is erect and bears multiple orange, yellow or greenish-yellow flowers. The flowers are small, measuring about 1 centimeter in diameter, and have a distinctly sweet fragrance. The lip or labellum of each flower has a characteristic fan-shaped appearance with a frilly edge, measuring about 10 millimeters by 12 millimeters, while the sepals and petals are smaller, linear in shape and greenish-brown in color.
Uses
Bartholina burmanniana is grown in the ornamental trade and is used as a potted plant, as well as in cut flower arrangements. The plant is popular among collectors due to its vibrant-colored flowers and the sweet fragrance it emits. Locally, the plant is used in traditional medicine as a wound dressing due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The plant can be grown in a well-draining and moist soil mix, in a shaded area, and with regular watering. It prefers humid conditions and requires ample airflow to avoid fungal infections.
Growth Conditions for Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl.
Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl. is a tropical epiphytic orchid that requires specific environmental conditions to grow successfully. Some of the essential growth conditions include:
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive. In its natural habitat, it prefers dappled sunlight found in rainforests where it grows on trees. Direct sunlight can cause sunburns on its leaves and negatively affect its growth and development. In indoor conditions, the plant can be placed near a window that receives bright but filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow well. It grows well in temperatures between 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). The minimum temperature should not fall below 60°F (15°C) at any point in time. Temperatures below the minimum threshold will slow down its growth, and extended exposure can damage the plant.
Humidity Requirements
The natural environment for this plant is typically humid, with a relative humidity level of around 60-80%. High humidity levels are vital for the plant to maintain optimal growth and prevent dehydration. Indoor growers can replicate this environment by placing the plant in a tray of water or a humidifier.
Soil Requirements
Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl. is an epiphytic orchid species that does not grow in soil. Instead, it relies on the host plant to provide it with nutrients. In indoor conditions, growers can use orchid bark or sphagnum moss as a growing medium.
It's essential to avoid overwatering the plant as the roots can rot when excessively wet. A loose growing mix helps ensure proper root aeration, assists in water drainage, and provides adequate moisture retention.
Cultivation methods for Bartholina burmanniana
Bartholina burmanniana is an orchid species that enjoys growing in bright shade, cool temperatures and high humidity, mimicking its native environment in the subtropical forests of South America.
It grows on the ground and rocks, and it is commonly cultivated in baskets with sphagnum moss, where its roots can grab water and nutrients from the air quickly.
When planting, it is crucial to maintain good drainage for preventing water accumulation that can lead to root rot. Therefore, a mixture of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is ideal for its cultivation since it allows water to filter out quickly.
Watering needs for Bartholina burmanniana
Watering Bartholina burmanniana is a crucial factor for its growth. Typically, it thrives in high humidity environments, requiring frequent watering. As such, it is essential to ensure that the soil is fresh and moist with a pH level below 7.5 to prevent any fungal growth.
The plant should never dry out completely, while overwatering can cause root rot, leading to severe damage. Therefore, watering regularly and keeping it moist is essential for the plant's growth and survival.
Fertilization of Bartholina burmanniana
Bartholina burmanniana does not require much fertilizer, but it needs a balanced mixture of nutrients to facilitate healthy growth. When using a fertilizer, it is essential to dilute it, as too much concentration can harm the plant, and a weak formula won't provide enough nutrients.
The best time to fertilize is during the growing season using a fertilizer blend with balanced nutrients of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium), trace elements such as iron, and magnesium. Applying it once in two weeks is enough to provide enough nutrition for the plant.
Pruning Bartholina burmanniana
Pruning Bartholina burmanniana is not a necessity, and the plant typically does not require such an intervention. However, if some leaves start turning yellow, it is better to prune them to prevent any diseases or infections that can affect the plant's growth.
Also, removing old flower spikes can encourage the growth of new ones.
Propagation of Bartholina burmanniana
Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl., commonly known as the Asian butterfly orchid, is a beautiful plant species that is widely appreciated for its showy flowers. If you are interested in growing this plant, there are several methods of propagation that you can consider.
Propagation by Seed
One of the most common methods of propagating Bartholina burmanniana is through seed. To achieve a successful propagation through seed, gather a matured seed pod from a healthy and matured plant, then remove the seeds from the pod. Clean the seeds by removing any fleshy material and soaking them in clean water overnight to speed up germination. Next, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix or a mix of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and keep the pot in a warm, humid environment with access to indirect sunlight or under grow lights. Germination can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, and it may take up to two years for the plant to reach maturity.
Propagation by Division
Another common method for propagating Bartholina burmanniana is through division. To propagate by this method, wait until the plant has multiple healthy pseudobulbs and gently remove it from its pot. Gently tease the roots apart, making sure to keep each pseudobulb attached to its own set of roots. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh potting mix, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Keep the divisions in a warm, humid environment with access to indirect sunlight or grow lights, and they should start producing new shoots within several weeks to several months.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
For the more advanced grower, Bartholina burmanniana can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method requires specialized knowledge and equipment, as well as a sterile environment, to prevent contamination by pathogens. Small amounts of plant tissue, such as stem tips, are sterilized and then placed in a nutrient-rich, agar-based medium to encourage the growth of new shoots and roots. This method is more time-consuming and expensive, but it offers the potential for producing a large number of uniform plants in a relatively short amount of time.
Disease Management
Bartholina burmanniana is relatively resistant to most diseases, but it may be susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections if grown in conditions that are too damp or humid. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to provide good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and remove any dead or decaying plant material immediately. Fungicides and bactericides can be used to treat the diseases if they appear.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Bartholina burmanniana are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as small, fluffy white masses on the plant's foliage and can be controlled using insecticidal soaps or oils. Spider mites are tiny, red or yellowish pests that spin webs on the plant's leaves, and they can be treated using neem oil or insecticidal soaps.
Caterpillars and slugs are also occasional pests of Bartholina burmanniana. Caterpillars can be removed by hand or controlled using bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural insecticide. Slugs can be trapped using slug baits or controlled with copper barriers.
