Origin
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. is a species of orchid plant that belongs to the genus Bulbophyllum. It is native to Central Africa and can be found across countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Bequaert's bulbophyllum or the twisted-leaved Bulbophyllum.
Appearance
The Bequaert's bulbophyllum is a small epiphytic orchid that grows up to 15 centimeters tall. It has a creeping rhizome that produces a cluster of small pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs are glossy, dark green, and are around 2-3 centimeters long. The plant produces a single flower per stem, with the flower measuring around 2 centimeters in diameter. The flower is distinctive with its twisted, fleshy, and shiny leaves that are dark green in color.
Uses
The Bequaert's bulbophyllum is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive and unique twisted leaves. However, it is also used locally in Central Africa for its medicinal properties. The plant is used to treat various ailments including stomach ache, fever, and headaches. The roots of the plant are boiled and the resulting liquid is used to alleviate these health conditions.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. is a type of orchid that requires moderate to bright, filtered light to grow. In nature, it usually grows on trees in the forest canopy, which means it requires bright, indirect light. However, its leaves can burn if they are exposed to direct sunlight, so it is important to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. prefers warm and humid growing conditions, which are similar to the conditions in its natural habitat. Ideally, the plant should be kept at a temperature between 20°C to 30°C during the day and above 15°C at night. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures for short periods, but it is best to avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. is an epiphytic orchid that does not require traditional soil. Instead, it prefers to grow in a well-draining mix that mimics its natural habitat. A mixture of bark, perlite, charcoal, and sphagnum moss is ideal for growing this type of orchid. The roots of the plant need to breathe, so it is important to allow for proper air circulation in the potting mix.
Cultivation methods:
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. is a purebred orchid that grows in warm, humid conditions. It is found mostly in tropical forests and wetlands, so it tends to thrive in humid environments. This plant needs very good air circulation to prevent disease, so it's recommended to keep it in a well-aerated greenhouse or at home in a well-ventilated room with no direct sunlight.
Watering needs:
This plant requires high levels of humidity and regular watering. Overwatering can cause rhizome rot and can be fatal to the plant. It is advisable to water the plant when the top layer of soil is completely dry. During the wet season, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
Fertilization:
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer is recommended, and it is best to use a quarter to half the recommended dosage. Fertilization should be done when the plant is actively growing, and it should be discontinued during the resting period.
Pruning:
Pruning is generally not necessary for this plant. However, dead or damaged parts should be removed to encourage new growth. The plant can also be divided when it outgrows its container. Divisions should be made during the early growth phase.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm.
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. can be propagated through several methods such as division, offshoots, and stem cutting.
Division
The propagation through division is the simplest method. The best time to do this is during repotting when the plant produces several pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs can be separated using a clean and sharp tool, making sure that each division has some roots and leaves. The divided plant can be potted in a smaller pot and kept in a warm and humid environment until it starts to grow.
Offshoots
Propagation through offshoots is another easy method. Check the base of the plant where the pseudobulbs or bulbs connect with the rhizome, and if there are any offshoots growing, use a clean and sharp tool to cut them off from the mother plant. The offshoots can be potted in a smaller pot and kept in a warm and humid environment until the plants start to grow.
Stem Cutting
Propagation through stem cutting is more complicated and requires more patience. Select a healthy and mature pseudobulb and use a clean and sharp tool to cut across the stem, making sure that each cutting has a leaf, pseudobulb, and some roots. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder and plant them in a small pot with fine-grained soil. Keep them in a warm and humid environment and mist them occasionally until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Some of the common diseases encountered in these plants are:
- Fungal diseases: These are the most common diseases that can affect these plants, especially when humidity levels are high. Some fungal diseases that affect Bulbophyllum cochleatum are black spot, anthracnose, and root rot. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure good air circulation, and maintain a dry growing area.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial infections can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and soft rot. To prevent bacterial infections, avoid injuring the plant during pruning and maintain clean gardening tools.
- Viral diseases: Viral infections are rare in Bulbophyllum cochleatum, but they can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. There are no effective treatments for viral infections, so it is best to prevent them by avoiding contact with infected plants and maintaining good hygiene while handling plants.
To manage diseases, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant and identify any symptoms of diseases. Once detected, isolate the infected plant from healthy ones and remove infected parts. Applying fungicide or bactericide can also help suppress the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) J.J.Verm. can be attacked by different pests, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and the appearance of webbing. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant's leaves with water to remove their webbing regularly. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control spider mites.
- Scale insects: These small, oval-shaped pests attach themselves to the plant's stems, sucking out its sap. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant's stem.
- Thrips: Thrips feed on the leaves, causing silver-white scars. These insects can also spread viruses to the plant. Using predator insects such as mites and ladybugs can help control thrips in indoor planting. Neem oil is also an effective natural insecticide that can control thrips outdoors.
Prevention measures such as regular inspection of plants, quarantining of new plants, and maintaining clean gardening tools can prevent pests from infesting the plant. Insecticidal soaps or oils, pesticides, and the use of predator insects are other effective ways to manage pest infestation.
