Origin and Common Names
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is a species of orchid that is native to Madagascar, a large island off the southeast coast of Africa. It is commonly known as the Bald Bulbophyllum due to its lack of leaves. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae, which includes about 28,000 species of flowering plants.
General Appearance
The Bald Bulbophyllum is a small epiphytic orchid that only grows up to 10 cm in height. It has no leaves, and its stem is a rhizome that produces small pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs are flattened, oval-shaped, and covered with fine brown hairs. The flowers are produced on an inflorescence that emerges from the base of the pseudobulbs. The inflorescence can bear up to 10 flowers, each measuring up to 2 cm across. The flowers are green with yellow-brown stripes, and they have a unique "shoe-shaped" lip that is the defining feature of its genus.
Uses
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is primarily used as an ornamental plant, especially as a terrarium or vivarium plant. Its unique and unusual appearance make it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts. Due to its relatively small size and easy-to-care-for nature, it is also a suitable starter plant for beginners in the hobby of growing orchids. In Madagascar, it is not used for any medicinal or cultural purposes.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. prefers bright, indirect light in order to grow to its full potential. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant. It is recommended to place the plant near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight or under artificial grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. growth ranges from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to 12 to 15 degrees Celsius at night. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature fluctuations which can lead to stress and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. prefers well-draining soil with good aeration, as the roots of the plant can easily rot in overly moist soil. A recommended soil mix includes orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. It is important to avoid using soil mixes that contain fertilizers, as they can harm the plant.
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. Cultivation
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is best grown indoors in a warm greenhouse or a terrarium.
As an epiphyte, Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. requires a well-draining growing medium that mimics the bark of trees in its natural environment. A mixture of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss works well.
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. prefers bright, indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight. This orchid also requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. prefers to be moist but not soaking wet. It is best to water the orchid in the morning and allow the growing medium to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
The orchid should also be misted regularly to maintain high humidity levels around the plant.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilization should be stopped during the winter months when the plant is in its dormant phase.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. requires minimal pruning. Dead or yellowing leaves can be removed as needed. The orchid may also produce keikis, or baby plants, which can be removed and potted separately to propagate new plants.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh.
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is a beautiful orchid that can be propagated through different methods including division, backbulbs, and tissue culture.
Division
Division is the easiest propagation method for Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. and is usually done during repotting. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections with a sharp, sterilized knife, ensuring that each section has at least two pseudobulbs and some roots. The divided sections can be potted in their individual pots with fresh potting mix and kept under appropriate conditions until they establish new roots.
Backbulbs
Backbulbs refer to the older bulbs that have no leaves but have intact roots. These backbulbs can be separated from the mother plant during repotting and potted in a suitable potting mix. They will develop new growth and roots over time, producing new plants.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more complex propagation method, but it is beneficial because it allows for the production of numerous plants quickly. It involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue, like a shoot tip or a developing bud, and sterilizing it before placing it in a nutrient-rich growing medium. The new plantlets are grown in sterile conditions until they are large enough to be transferred to individual pots.
Overall, with these three methods, it is easy to propagate Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. and enable the growth of new plants that bring beauty to any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh.
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is a beautiful and delicate orchid species that requires specific care to stay healthy. Despite its beauty, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can harm the plant and affect its growth and appearance. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh., along with ways to manage and prevent them from causing serious damage.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is root rot. This is generally caused by overwatering or poor drainage and can lead to wilted leaves or a soft, mushy stem. To avoid root rot, make sure to provide proper drainage for your plant and allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. You can also treat root rot by removing the affected roots and replanting the orchid in a fresh soil mix.
Another disease that can affect Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is bacterial blight, which causes small spots on the leaves and can lead to yellowing and wilting. This disease can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding overcrowding your plants. Infected plants should be removed and disposed of immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. can also be susceptible to pest infestations, which can weaken the plant and cause unsightly damage. Some common pests that might affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
To prevent and manage pest infestations, it is important to inspect your plant regularly and treat any signs of pests early. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pest populations and avoid overcrowding your plants, as this can create ideal conditions for pests to thrive. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to fully eliminate the pests and prevent reinfestation.
Conclusion
Bulbophyllum calvum Summerh. is a stunning orchid species that requires proper care and attention to prevent common diseases and pests. By following good hygiene practices, providing proper drainage, and inspecting your plants regularly, you can ensure that your orchid stays healthy and beautiful. If you notice any signs of infection or infestation, take immediate action to prevent further damage and keep your plant thriving.
