General Information
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is a species of epiphytic or lithophytic orchid found in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It was first described by Rudolf Schlechter in 1910 and belongs to the family Orchidaceae.
Common Names
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is commonly known as the "Bulbophyllum orchid" or the "hairy-leaved Bulbophyllum". It is also known as "Kimakenden orchid" in Papua New Guinea due to its presence in the Kimakenden Range in New Britain.
General Appearance
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is a small to medium-sized orchid that grows up to 20 cm tall. It has thick, leathery, and hairy leaves that grow up to 10 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are tiny, measuring only 2-3 mm in diameter, and are arranged in clusters of 5-15 on a short, branched inflorescence. The petals and sepals are greenish-brown in color and are covered with short hairs, while the lip is yellowish-brown with red stripes.
Uses
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and rarity. It is popular among orchid enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its unusual hairy texture and intricate flowers. The plant is not known to have any medicinal or commercial uses.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. It's best to place the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight. Fluorescent lights can also provide adequate light for indoor cultivation.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Temperatures outside this range can affect growth and flowering. The plant prefers a slightly cooler temperature at night, around 55°F (13°C). Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A recommended mix is equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. The mixture should be loose and allow air to circulate around the roots. The plant also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Cultivation
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr., commonly known as the Rat's Tail Orchid, is a beautiful and exotic orchid species that is native to the Philippines. Cultivating this orchid requires proper attention to detail, humidity, light, and temperature.
The orchid can be grown in a pot, hanging basket, or mounted onto a tree trunk or other rough surface. It is important to provide a well-draining medium like a mix of bark, coconut chips, and perlite. The ideal pH range for the medium should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
To achieve the best growth, provide the plant with uniform temperatures between 18-27°C (64-80°F) during the day, and a cooler temperature of about 15 to 20°C (59-68°F) at night. Make sure to keep the plant away from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Rat's Tail Orchid needs proper watering to maintain healthy growth. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to problems like root rot, leaf yellowing, and wilting.
The plant should be watered whenever the top layer of the substrate is dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers, as this can create a humid environment that can lead to fungal growth and disease.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), water the plant more frequently than in the dormancy season. Also, reduce watering in the dormancy season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Like other orchid species, the Rat's Tail Orchid requires regular feeding with a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A high-quality orchid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 20-20-20 should be used.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the active growing season. Reduce the frequency in the dormancy season. Dilute the fertilizer solution to half strength, and avoid applying the fertilizer directly onto the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning the Rat's Tail Orchid is crucial to maintain its healthy growth and appearance. Prune any dead, yellowing, and diseased leaves or flowers. Use a clean and sharp pair of scissors to cut the damaged parts.
Also, remove the old pseudobulbs as they can attract diseases and pests. Additionally, trim back any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage the orchid to produce new blooms and leaves.
It is best to prune the orchid after it has finished flowering. Always clean the pruning tools with alcohol before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr.
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. can be propagated through various methods, including division, back bulbs, and seed germination.
Division
The easiest way to propagate Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is through division. It is recommended to divide the plant after it has bloomed and before new growth appears. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the rhizome into sections, making sure each section has at least one healthy growth point. Plant each section in a suitable potting mix and keep it in a shaded area until new growth emerges.
Back bulbs
Another way to propagate Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is through back bulbs. Back bulbs are the small bulbs that form on old growth. After the plant blooms, these bulbs can be carefully separated from the parent plant and potted in a suitable potting mix. Keep them in a shaded area and moist until new growth emerges.
Seed germination
Propagation of Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. through seed germination is a bit more challenging. The plant produces small, dust-like seeds that require a specific, sterile procedure to germinate. Collect the seeds from the plant after it blooms, rinse them in a mild sterilizing solution, and plant them in sterile media. Cover the pot with a plastic bag, place it in a warm, shaded area and keep the media constantly moist. After several weeks, the seedlings will emerge, and they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, make sure the plant is protected from direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist until the new growth has established. Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. propagated through any of these methods will bloom within a few years.
Disease and Pest Management of Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr.
Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is known for its beautiful leaves and vibrant flowers, which make it a popular ornamental plant. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can weaken its structure and reduce its aesthetic value.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which leads to the accumulation of moisture around the roots. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.
Another disease that affects this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora. Symptoms of leaf spot include small brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually turn into large black spots. The leaves may also turn yellow and fall off prematurely.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr. are mealybugs and scale insects. Mealybugs are small, white insects that hide under a cottony coating. They suck sap from the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Scale insects are small, flattened insects that attach to the leaves and stems. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests like ants and cause sooty mold to grow on the leaves.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These organic solutions are safe for the environment and effective against a range of pests. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove the pests manually. Be sure to check the plant regularly for any new infestations.
Disease Management
To prevent root rot, it is important to choose a well-draining potting mix and to water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. You can also add perlite or coarse sand to the potting mix to improve drainage. If the plant is already infected with root rot, you can try repotting it into fresh soil and trimming any diseased roots.
To manage leaf spot, you can remove any affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and avoid using too much, as this can harm the plant. You can also improve the air circulation around the plant by spacing it away from other plants.
Overall, with proper care and attention, you can prevent and manage diseases and pests in Bulbophyllum eurhachis Schltr., ensuring it remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
