Overview
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is a plant species belonging to the orchid family. This plant is commonly known as the "Eyelid-Like Bulbophyllum." It has a unique appearance and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in many places worldwide.
Origin
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is native to the Philippines, specifically in the areas of Luzon, Mindanao, and Palawan. It thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches.
Appearance
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay has unique flowers, which appear to be covered with eyelids due to the curved and elongated lip. The flowers grow on a long inflorescence and are small, measuring up to 1 cm across. The petals are elongated and pointed, and the sepals are greenish-yellow. The lip is dark maroon, and its sides grow over the column, giving the impression of an eyelid.
The plant has pseudobulbs, which are small and round-shaped. The leaves are thick, leathery, and have a glossy green color. Their size ranges from 15-20 cm in length, and they are oblong-shaped with pointed tips.
Uses
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is mostly cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is appreciated for its unique and eye-catching flowers that look like tiny eyelids. These flowers are used as decoratives, particularly in floral arrangements. In the Philippines, the plant is also used as a medicinal herb, with its pseudobulbs and leaves being used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, fever, and headaches.
Light requirements
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is an orchid that requires bright, filtered light to grow. It thrives in a location that receives morning and evening sun but is shaded during the intense midday sun. Direct sunlight can cause scorching and damage to the leaves, leading to stunted growth. It is recommended to place the plant near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This orchid enjoys warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for the Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is between 20-29°C (68-84°F) during the day and 16-19°C (60-66°F) at night. It is important to regulate the temperature around the orchid to avoid exposing it to sudden fluctuations, which can affect its growth and cause damage to the leaves.
Soil requirements
The Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown in a wide range of media, such as bark, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of both. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is never waterlogged, as it may cause root rot. Proper soil aeration and drainage will promote healthy root growth and prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is an epiphytic plant that grows naturally in humid tropical forests. The plant requires a high level of humidity, good air circulation, and filtered light under the shade of larger trees. The plant thrives in temperatures of 20 – 30°C, and it’s essential to provide it with a stable environment that mimics its natural habitat. The plant can be cultivated on a tree fern slab, hanged in a basket, or potted in sphagnum moss.
Watering Needs
The plant requires watering often, especially during the growing season. Water the plant once every seven days, depending on the weather conditions. When watering, ensure the water is not too cold, as cold water may damage the roots. The plant’s root system must remain moist because the plant will suffer stress if the roots dry out.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the plant needs regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should have a high nitrogen content during the vegetative stage and high phosphate content during the flowering stage. Dilute the fertilizer solution to half its strength and apply it to the plant’s base.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay cultivation. Prune the plant’s dead leaves or pseudobulbs because they may harbor diseases that may spread to the healthy parts of the plant. Also, trim the aerial roots to ensure none of them becomes too long to tangle and strangle the plant.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay
Propagation is the process of generating new plants from already existing ones. Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay can be propagated by using various methods which include:
Division
Division is a method of propagation where the plant is divided into separate parts, each with its roots, stems, and leaves. Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay can be propagated through division, but it should be done carefully by separating the pseudobulbs and ensuring that each division has enough roots to survive independently.
Meristem culture
Meristem culture is a propagation method where a tissue sample from the apical meristem (the growing tip of the plant) is placed in sterilized culture media specifically designed to promote growth and cell division. This method ensures that the new plant inherits the genetic traits of the parent plant and is free from any diseases or pests. However, meristem culture requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a method of multiplication where the plant's seeds are sown in soil or substrate and allowed to germinate. For Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay, the seeds should be collected when they are ripe and sown immediately in a seed tray. The seeds should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until they germinate.
Propagation may take some time, and it requires patience and careful handling. Always ensure to use sterile tools, avoid over-watering, and provide the right growing conditions for newly propagated plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay
Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay is a beautiful orchid species native to the Philippines. Like any plant, Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay can be affected by different diseases and pests, and it is essential to have proper management strategies in place to prevent or mitigate these problems.
Common Pests
Some common pests that might affect Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap out of leaves and cause discoloration. To manage spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil on infected plants.
- Thrips: Thrips can cause silvering or bronzing of leaves and flower distortion. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil and dispose of infected plant material in sealed plastic bags.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can infest the plant's leaves, stem, and roots causing stunted growth. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill mealybugs or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects can also infest the plant and cause yellowing of leaves. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to manage scale insects.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that might affect the Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay plant include:
- Root rot: This disease occurs when the roots are continuously wet, leading to decay and death. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Bacterial soft rot: This disease can cause watery soft spots on leaves and a foul smell. To manage the disease, use bacterial or copper fungicides, remove the infected part of the plant, and avoid overcrowding.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes brown spots on leaves and can affect flowers. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
- Viral diseases: These diseases can cause yellowing, mottling, or ring patterns on the leaves. To manage viral diseases, remove the infected plant and avoid using contaminated tools on healthy plants.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of pest or disease problems is crucial in preventing and managing any potential issues with the Bulbophyllum blepharochilum Garay plant. Additionally, maintaining proper plant hygiene, such as cleaning tools after use and avoiding overfertilizing, can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.
