Description of Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will.
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is an orchid species that belongs to the genus Bulbophyllum. The plant was first described and named by G. Will in 1901.
Origin
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is native to Papua New Guinea, a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The plant is commonly found in the rainforests of the country and grows on trees or rocks.
Common names
The plant has various common names including Carinated Bulbophyllum, Heart-shaped Bulbophyllum, and Long-serpentine Bulbophyllum.
Uses
The Carinated Bulbophyllum is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it is popular among orchid enthusiasts. The plant has unique heart-shaped leaves that range from green to reddish-purple, which make it an attractive indoor or outdoor plant. The flowers of the plant are also a sight to behold, and they have a pleasant and sweet fragrance.
General appearance
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is a small-sized orchid that grows to an average height of 7cm. The plant has heart-shaped leaves that are either green or reddish-purple in color and can grow up to 15cm long and 5cm wide. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters and have a yellowish-green color with blotches of brown or reddish-brown. Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. can thrive in both humid and dry conditions and typically blooms from late winter to summer.
Light Requirements:
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. requires moderate light to thrive. It should be kept in a location that receives natural light but is not exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and lead to wilting and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. Ideally, temperatures should be maintained between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can lead to stunted growth and even death.
Soil Requirements:
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is an epiphytic plant and does not require traditional soil. It is best grown in well-draining media such as orchid bark, sphagnum moss or a mix of bark and perlite. A well-draining soil mixture helps prevent water-logging and promotes healthy root growth.
Humidity Requirements:
The plant thrives in high humidity conditions between 70% to 80%. It is important to maintain adequate humidity levels by misting the plant daily, keeping a tray of water nearby or placing the plant in a humid room.
Water Requirements:
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. requires regular watering, but it is important to prevent waterlogging. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch but be careful not to overwater. The soil should never be allowed to fully dry out.
Fertilizer Requirements:
The plant should be fertilized regularly by using a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. During winters, only fertilize once a month.
Cultivation and Care of Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will.
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is an orchid native to Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is a charming plant to grow, but it requires specific care to thrive. Here are some guidelines for its cultivation and care:
Lighting
The plant thrives in bright, indirect light. It can do well in medium or low light conditions, but this can affect its blooming.
Temperature
The optimum temperature for this plant ranges between 20°C and 25°C during the daytime and 15°C to 18°C at night. The plant needs a temperature drop in the evening to encourage blooming.
Humidity
The plant's natural habitat is a tropical rainforest where humidity is high. It requires 60% to 80% relative humidity. It is possible to achieve this by placing the plant on a humidity tray or placing a humidifier near the plant.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers to be kept evenly moist, but not wet. You must ensure that the soil mix is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Water the plant around twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant period.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant weekly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to once a month.
Pruning
Trim the stem of the plant regularly to encourage branching. After blooming, cut back the stem to the nearest node or leaf to encourage new growth.
By following these guidelines, you can grow a healthy and beautiful Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. plant to add to your collection.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will.
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will., commonly known as the "creeping Bulbophyllum," can be propagated through different methods such as division, keiki production, and seed propagation.
Division
Division is the most common and straightforward method to propagate Bulbophyllum infracarinatum. It involves separating the plant into two or more parts, mainly to create new plants. You can divide the plant during repotting, once it has outgrown its pot. Make sure you use a clean, sterile tool and cut through the rhizome into different sections, each with a few pseudobulbs. The section should also have roots attached. Make sure each section has enough leaves to sustain the plant.
Keiki Production
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. can produce keikis or plantlets, which grow from the base of mature pseudobulbs. While still attached to the mother plant, you can encourage the keiki's growth by providing additional nutrients, water, and light. Once the plantlet has developed enough roots and leaves, you can cut it off from the mother plant and plant it separately. Ensure the new plant has enough space to grow and develop.
Seed Propagation
Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. can also be propagated through seeds, although this method requires more patience and experience. To produce viable seeds, the plant must be pollinated, which can be done artificially or naturally. Once pollinated, the plant will produce a pod containing many tiny seeds. You can plant these seeds in a sterilized potting mix, mist regularly, and keep the pot humid and in a warm and bright location. It may take several years for the seedlings to mature and produce flowers.
Overall, Bulbophyllum infracarinatum G.Will. is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through division, keiki production, and seed propagation. Choose a propagation method suitable for your skill level and available resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will.
Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will is a beautiful and exotic plant that requires special care to keep it healthy. Proper disease and pest management is necessary to avoid the plant from getting damaged. The most common diseases and pests that affect the Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plant are as follows:
Diseases:
Bacterial and Fungal Diseases: Bacterial and fungal diseases are prevalent in Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plants. This plant is susceptible to crown rot, leaf spots, and root rot. These diseases can cause plant wilting, plant death, or leaf discoloration. To prevent these diseases, you can use fungicides and remove the affected parts of the plant. Proper plant care and good air circulation will also help prevent the growth of these diseases.
Pests:
Spider Mites: Spider mites thrive in warm and dry environments and can cause leaves to discolor and curl. The Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plant requires high humidity, making it difficult for spider mites to thrive. A simple solution to get rid of spider mites is by spraying the plant with water. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck out the juices from the leaves of the Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plant. They cause yellowing and curling of leaves. To get rid of thrips, you can try using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Make sure to spray the undersides of leaves as well.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can attach themselves to the surface of the plant, providing it with nutrients. They can cause stunting of plant growth and yellowing of leaves. You can remove scale insects by scraping them off with a toothbrush or by using insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat away at the Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plant, causing damage to its leaves. You can remove them by hand or use organic sprays. Inspect your plant regularly for caterpillars.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can cause significant damage to the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To get rid of mealybugs, use organic sprays or insecticidal soap. The use of Neem oil can also be effective.
Overall, it’s crucial to inspect your Bulbophyllum Infracarinatum G.Will plant regularly for any signs of diseases and pests. Always remember to avoid overwatering and overfeeding your plant. Proper plant care will help ensure that your plant grows healthy and pest-free.
