Overview
Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. is a species of orchid that belongs to the genus Bulbophyllum, which has over 2,000 species. This orchid is native to the Philippines and is known for its unique appearance and inflorescence.
Common Names
Bulbophyllum calamarium is commonly known as the "Squid Orchid" due to its resemblance to a squid. It is also commonly referred to as the "Black Bulbophyllum" or simply the "Calamarium."
Appearance
The Bulbophyllum calamarium is a small to medium-sized epiphytic orchid. The plant's leaves are approximately 10 cm long and 3 cm wide, and they are dark green and leathery. The unique inflorescence consists of a long, thin, almost black stem that can grow up to 60 cm long. This stem bears several small flowers that are dark maroon-brown in color. The flowers have a bulbous appendage at their base, which gives them the appearance of a squid's head, hence the common name "Squid Orchid."
Uses
Bulbophyllum calamarium is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. It is a popular plant among collectors due to its unique appearance and is commonly grown in greenhouses and terrariums. The plant requires high humidity and warm, humid conditions to thrive. Some orchid enthusiasts also participate in orchid breeding and hybridization programs, and Bulbophyllum calamarium is sometimes used as a parent in these programs due to its unique traits.
Light Requirements
The Bulbophyllum calamarium requires bright, filtered light to grow. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and the plant does not thrive well in low light conditions. Placing the plant in a location with bright fluorescent light is an ideal growing condition.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist soil but must be well-draining. It can be grown in a mixture of sphagnum moss and orchid bark or a potting medium with good draining capacity. Keeping the soil consistently moist without letting it become waterlogged is essential for the healthy growth of the plant.
Water Requirements
The Bulbophyllum calamarium requires consistent watering; however, the roots should not sit in standing water. The plant must be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. The frequency of watering largely depends on the growing conditions and the stage of growth of the plant. In general, watering once every 5-7 days is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (65-80°F). The Bulbophyllum calamarium cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations and must be kept in consistent temperatures. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but will not thrive. On the other end of the spectrum, temperatures above 28°C(82°F) can be fatal to the plant.
Cultivation
The plant Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in a medium to bright indirect light. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 18°C to 28°C.
This plant can be grown in soil, but it is commonly grown in hanging baskets or mounted on a piece of wood or cork. This method allows for good air flow around the plants and reduces the chances of the roots sitting in water, which can cause them to rot.
Watering Needs
Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. requires regular watering, but the frequency will depend on the growing method and the environment. Potted plants should be watered when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, while mounted or hanging plants should be watered more frequently.
It is best to use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. Watering should be done thoroughly, allowing water to drain out of the pot or container.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important for the growth and health of Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. The plant can be fed every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength.
It is important to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dormant period (fall and winter) and avoid feeding when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. as it has a trailing growth habit and does not require shaping. However, the plant may produce dead or yellow leaves, which should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl.
Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. is a species of orchid plant that is native to Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a fascinating plant to grow, and its propagation can be done in several ways.
Division
Propagation of Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. through division is one of the most straightforward methods. As the plant grows, it produces pseudobulbs, which have a mature growth of leaves and roots. The pseudobulbs can be carefully removed from the plant using a sharp, sanitized knife and can be potted separately in a suitable growing medium. Division is best done during the plant's active growth period.
Back bulbs
Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. produces "back bulbs" when a new pseudobulb outgrows the previous one. The old pseudobulbs die once the new one takes over. Those back bulbs still have viable roots, and they can be cut off from the plant and potted separately. This method is helpful because the back bulb has a well-established root system, which helps to speed up the growth rate to the new plants significantly.
Keiki
The keiki is a miniaturized version of the parent plant. When a keiki appears, it will have roots and leaves already developed. These can be removed from the parent plant and potted in a suitable medium. Keikis can occur naturally on the plant or can be induced using specialized plant hormones.
Seed propagation
The seed propagation of Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. is possible but is not an easy task. It requires specific skill and knowledge and demands a sterile environment and specialized equipment. The plant produces a large number of small seeds that need to be sowed in a suitable medium carefully. Successful seed propagation can take between one and two years before the newly made plant can be potted separately.
In conclusion, Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keikis, and seeds. Division and back bulbs are the most common and easiest methods, while keikis and seed propagation require specialized knowledge and equipment to yield success.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl.
Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. is an orchid plant that is generally easy to grow and maintain, but it is still susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones and how to manage them:
Pests
1. Spider Mites: These tiny pests are not easily detected, but spider mites can cause significant damage to the orchid plant by sucking sap from its leaves. Signs of infestation include yellowing and curling leaves. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so the best way to manage them is to increase the humidity around the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap to control their population.
2. Scale Insects: These insects are visible to the naked eye and tend to appear in clusters on the stems and leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and promotes the growth of fungi. To manage scale insects, you can use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate them and destroy their protective coating.
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. The spots can merge and cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. It is caused by excessive humidity and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, you should remove and destroy the affected leaves and improve ventilation around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
2. Root Rot: This is a common problem for orchids. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which creates a favorable environment for fungal growth. Signs of root rot include wilted leaves, soft and discolored roots, and a foul smell. To manage root rot, you should remove the affected parts and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Make sure to water the plant appropriately, and avoid letting it sit in standing water.
Implementing good cultural practices like providing adequate lighting, temperature, and humidity, as well as proper watering and fertilization, can also help to prevent pest and disease infestations in Bulbophyllum calamarium Lindl. Early detection and treatment of problems also help to reduce the severity of infestations.
