Overview
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is a species of orchid native to tropical regions of Africa. It is a small-sized epiphytic plant that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This plant is widely known for its striking appearance, attractive flowers, and aromatic scent.
Common Names
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is commonly known as the "Shell-Like Bulbophyllum" due to its unique flower shape that resembles a seashell. Other common names include the "Short-Lipped Bulbophyllum" and the "Brachyanthum Bulbophyllum".
Origin
The Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is native to Central and West Africa. This species can be found growing in a wide range of habitats including forests, swamps, and lowland areas.
General Appearance
The Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. has a small, compact form and can reach a height of up to 10 cm. This plant has a creeping habit and produces numerous pseudobulbs that are round to oval in shape, measuring around 1 cm in diameter. The leaves of this plant are lance-shaped and can grow up to 5 cm in length.
The most distinctive feature of this plant is its flower. The flower is produced on a spike that grows up to 8 cm long and carries up to 12 flowers. The petals are yellow-green in color, and the sepals are purple-brown. The lip of the flower is shell-like, which gives it its common name. The flower is around 2 cm in length and has a strong, sweet scent that attracts pollinators.
Uses
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is widely grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive appearance. This species is mostly used for display in greenhouses, terrariums, and indoor spaces. Additionally, some African tribes use parts of this plant in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A shaded or partially shaded eastern or western exposure is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions similar to its natural habitat. It thrives in a temperature range of 60-86°F (15-30°C) during the day and 50-68°F (10-20°C) at night. Keep the temperature consistent and avoid extreme fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Use a mixture of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to create a loose and porous growing medium. The plant also benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. requires a warm and humid environment, as it is endemic to tropical regions of Africa. It grows well in a pot with well-draining substrate, such as orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. It is recommended to repot the plant every two to three years.
Watering Needs
It is important to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant generously once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season. It is also recommended to water the plant in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate throughout the day. As a general rule, water the plant when the substrate is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. requires regular fertilization every week during the growing season. A recommended fertilizer is a balanced water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20. It is necessary to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid damaging the roots. Furthermore, it is recommended to use a fertilizer with micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. does not generally require pruning, and it is not advisable to prune the plant unless necessary. However, it is recommended to remove yellow or dead leaves to prevent the risk of fungal infections. It is also recommended to remove the spent flower spikes to redirect the plant's energy to new growth.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm.
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm., also known as the "Turtle Orchid," can be propagated through two main methods: division and seed propagation.
Division
Division is the most common and easiest method of propagating Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum. It involves separating the plant's pseudobulbs, each containing at least one growth point or shoot, and planting them individually.
You can divide Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum after it has bloomed, typically during the spring or summer months. Make sure to sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution before dividing the plant to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.
Start by carefully removing the plant from its pot and gently brushing off the soil to expose the roots. Locate the pseudobulbs with at least one growth point and separate them from the main plant. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife to remove any dead or damaged roots, and plant the pseudobulbs in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a more advanced method of propagating Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum. It involves collecting the plant's tiny seeds and sowing them in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium.
To collect seeds, wait for the pod to dry on the plant before picking it. Remove the seeds from the pod and soak them in water for a few hours to soften the seed coat. Sow the seeds onto a nutrient-rich medium and cover them lightly with a layer of vermiculite or perlite to retain moisture.
Keep the seeds in a warm, humid environment, ideally in a propagator or under a plastic cover. Maintain a consistent level of moisture to prevent the seeds from drying out or becoming too damp. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Disease Management
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is susceptible to a variety of diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, dark brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and dispose of any infected leaves immediately. Use a fungicide to prevent further spreading.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The disease causes the roots to become brown, mushy, and unhealthy. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Cut off any affected roots and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves. To manage mildew, keep the leaves dry, improve air circulation, and use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl. var. brachyanthum (Summerh.) J.J.Verm. is also susceptible to various pests, such as:
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped, and usually brown or yellow in color. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage scale insects, remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply an insecticide.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing deformation of leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, use a systemic insecticide or insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and dryness of leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, wash the leaves with water, and apply an insecticide.
