Overview
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid species that belongs to the Bulbophyllum genus and the Orchidaceae family. It is native to Tanzania, East Africa, and is found in the Usambara Mountains.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Tanzania Bulbophyllum or the Usambara Bulbophyllum.
Appearance
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is a small orchid species. It has thin stalks with clustered pseudobulbs that are around 1 cm in diameter. The leaves are oval-shaped and shiny, and measure approximately 3 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width. The plant produces one to three flowers per inflorescence, which measures around 3 cm in length. The flowers have a yellowish-green hue, and the dorsal sepal is elongated and curved.
Uses
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. The plant is used by orchid collectors and enthusiasts to add beauty to their collections. Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is also used in various hybridization projects to create new and unique orchid hybrids.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid that requires moderate to bright light conditions to grow properly. It prefers to be exposed to filtered sunlight or placed under artificial light sources that can provide similar light conditions. However, direct sunlight can harm the leaves, causing them to burn. Thus, it is essential to provide partial shade during the hottest hours of the day, especially in summer.
Temperature Requirements
B. encephalodes is native to tropical regions and prefers temperatures that range between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). It is crucial to ensure that the plant is not exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as this can damage or kill it. Moreover, it requires a stable temperature to thrive, so avoid placing it in areas with significant temperature fluctuations. In regions with cold winters, it is advisable to move the plant indoors or place it in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
B. encephalodes is an epiphytic orchid and does not grow in soil. Instead, it requires a well-draining growing medium that can provide adequate moisture to its roots. A suitable growing medium can be made by mixing bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and charcoal in equal parts. It is essential to avoid using garden soil or potting mix, as they can retain too much moisture, leading to root rot.
Cultivation of Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid species that is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria. It can be cultivated in a variety of environments but thrives best in warm and humid conditions. When selecting a location for your Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh., choose a spot that is partially shaded and receives indirect sunlight.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. can be grown in a pot with a mixture of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or mounted on a piece of wood or cork slab. This plant needs high humidity, so it is essential to ensure that its growing environment is adequately humid. One way to achieve this is by placing a dish with water or a humidifier nearby.
Watering needs for Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. needs to be watered regularly to keep its growing medium moist. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. It is recommended to water this plant once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions and the type of growing medium you are using. Before watering, check the top inch of the soil to ensure it has dried out, then water thoroughly.
Fertilizing Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. should be fertilized every two weeks. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids, and dilute it to half the recommended strength. During the growing season, which is typically from spring to summer, use a fertilizer higher in nitrogen. In contrast, during the rest period, use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus.
Pruning Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. does not require frequent pruning. However, if you notice any dead or diseased leaves or roots, remove them immediately. Removing these parts will help prevent the spread of disease and pests. Additionally, if your plant is becoming too large for its pot, it may be time to divide it. Divide the plant during its active growth period and make sure each division has at least a few mature bulbs.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh., commonly known as the "Hairy Bulbophyllum," is a species of orchid native to Central and East Africa. It is a beautiful and unique plant that can be propagated through various methods to propagate new specimens.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds requires special attention as the seeds of Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. are tiny and need to be treated with care. The seeds need to be harvested once a seedpod matured, and the pod has opened. Then, the seeds need to be sown on the surface of the prepared substrate of sand, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The substrate should be damp but not wet, and then we cover it with clear plastic and keep it in a warm and humid place with indirect sunlight. The germination of seeds takes around three months, and once the plants are visible through the plastic, let some air in to help the plants harden.
Propagation by Division
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. can be propagated through division, especially those mature plants that have already developed multiple pseudobulbs or "bulbs." During the repotting process, use a sharp and sterilized knife to divide the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has at least three or four pseudobulbs. Then, we plant each new division into specialized orchid pots, making sure the substrate is damp and without any damage to delicate root structures. Keep the newly divided plants in a warm and humid environment with indirect light for around one to two weeks until establishment.
Propagation by Keiki
Propagation by Keiki is another option. Keiki is the Hawaiian term for "baby," and it's a term used in the propagation of orchids. Keiki usually develops at the base of the mother plant or on the flower stem. Once the Keiki is grown and has roots at least two inches long, we cut them off the mother plant using a sterilized knife and pot them separately. It's essential to keep the Keiki moist, warm, and away from direct sunlight to assist with establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh. is a member of the orchid family and is known for its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. In order to keep your plant healthy and thriving, it is important to be aware of the most common issues and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections are the most common diseases that affect Bulbophyllum encephalodes. Symptoms of fungal infections include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and dark spots or lesions on the surface of the leaves and stems. If you suspect your plant has a fungal infection, remove any affected leaves or stems and treat the plant with a fungicide. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and repeat the treatment as necessary.
Bacterial infections can also occur in Bulbophyllum encephalodes and can manifest as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage bacterial infections, remove any affected leaves and make sure to sterilize any tools or equipment you use when caring for your plant.
Common Pests
Spider mites and mealybugs are the most common pests that affect Bulbophyllum encephalodes. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Mealybugs are small, white insects that live on the leaves and stems and can cause distortion and browning of the plant tissue.
To manage spider mites and mealybugs, first isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading to other plants. Then, remove any visible pests manually or with a soft-bristled brush and treat the plant with a pesticide or insecticidal soap. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and repeat the treatment as necessary.
Regularly inspecting your Bulbophyllum encephalodes plant for signs of disease and pests, and promptly managing any issues that arise, will help to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
