Overview of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild.
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to central and western Africa, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The plant is known by several common names such as Bone Aboh, Bonny Aboh, and Gbagala.
Appearance of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild.
The plant has thick, fleshy, succulent leaves that are ovate-lanceolate in shape and are held on short stems. The leaves are dark green in color and grow up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The plant produces upright inflorescences that grow up to 35 cm long and bear small, yellow-green flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. Each inflorescence can contain up to 100 flowers. The flowers have a distinct fragrance that is sometimes described as smelling like cheese, hence the name "Cheese Orchid."
Uses of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild.
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. is a popular ornamental plant among orchid enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and unusual scent. The Cheese Orchid is also used in traditional African medicine for its various medicinal properties. In Cameroon, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as headache, fever, and stomachaches. The plant extracts are also used as a painkiller, astringent, and as an antidote for snakebites.
In conclusion, Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. is an intriguing plant with an unusual appearance and distinct fragrance. Its various uses in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant make it a valuable species worth studying further.
Light requirements
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. requires bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. An east or west-facing window with sheer curtains or an artificial light source that delivers appropriate light intensity can provide suitable growing conditions.
Temperature requirements
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. prefers warm and humid environments. The plant grows best within a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) with a minimum temperature range of 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). During the daytime, it's essential to maintain high levels of humidity, preferably between 60% to 80%, to ensure healthy growth and development.
Soil and water requirements
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. prefers well-draining soils with excellent aeration. The soil should be able to retain moisture without becoming too soggy. A combination of sphagnum moss, bark chips, and perlite or vermiculite provides a great growing medium. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry partially before the next watering. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and humidity levels but should occur at least once a week. Adding fertilizers, such as orchid-specific ones, to the plant's water during the growing season can enhance healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild.
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. is an African orchid that grows well under warm and humid conditions. Therefore, it needs to be grown in an environment where the temperature is between 20-30°C and high humidity levels ranging from 50-60%.
When planting, it should be placed in a well-draining pot that can hold the plant firmly. Additionally, the soil used must be rich in organic matter but well-draining. This will enable the plant to absorb nutrients easily, which will result in healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. requires high levels of moisture, and therefore, the plant should be watered regularly. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, the frequency of watering should be determined by the conditions of the environment, the type of soil used, and the stage of growth of the plant.
It is advisable to water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, it is recommended that the water should be poured directly into the soil rather than on the leaves or flowers.
Fertilization
Like many flowering plants, Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. requires regular feeding to bloom and grow correctly. Fertilization should be done when the plant is actively growing, and it should be done once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
The fertilizer should be diluted before application as too much fertilizer can burn the roots leading to the death of the plant. During the plant's dormant period, fertilization should be stopped.
Pruning
Pruning of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. should aim to remove dead or diseased foliage. Additionally, pruning can be done to control the size and shape of the plant. Pinching off the growing tips of the new growth can encourage branching, leading to increased flowering in the long run.
When pruning, it is advisable to use sterilized tools to avoid spreading any infection that might be present in the plant to other parts of the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild.
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. is a terrestrial orchid species that is native to Africa. It is commonly found growing in shady areas and on forest floors. If you are interested in propagating this plant, there are a few methods that you can try.
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the bulbs from one another. Each new division should have at least one healthy bulb and some roots attached. These divisions can be replanted in fresh potting mix and watered regularly until they establish new roots and begin to grow.
Seeds
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. can also be propagated by seed. Collect the seeds when the seed pods mature and turn brown. Sterilize the seeds with a fungicide to prevent diseases. Sow the seeds in a mixture of fine bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Seedlings should appear within one to two months.
Back bulbs
Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. can also be propagated by using back bulbs. These are older bulbs that are no longer producing leaves or flowers. Carefully remove these bulbs from the plant and plant them in fresh potting mix. Keep the soil moist and wait for new shoots to appear.
Propagation can be a rewarding way to expand your collection of Bulbophyllum intermedium De Wild. Orchids. With a little patience and care, you can grow new plants from divisions, seeds, or back bulbs.
Disease Management
Bulbophyllum intermedium is vulnerable to various diseases that can constrain its growth and development. Some of the common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Fungal infections: These infections mainly attack the roots and leaves, leading to wilted, yellowing, and decaying foliage. The most effective management measures for fungal infections include pruning infected parts of the plant, improving airflow and drainage, and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial infections: These infections can cause the plant to exhibit symptoms such as leaf spots and blights, stem rot, and wilting. Control measures for bacterial infections involve proper sanitation practices, removing affected parts of the plant, and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Viral infections: These are difficult to manage and typically spread through contaminated tools, plants, and soil. Some of the common symptoms of viral infections include stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and mottled patterns on leaves. The management of viral infections involves removing the infected areas, restricting the movement of infected plants, and avoiding the exchange of contaminated tools and soil.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Bulbophyllum intermedium is also prone to different types of pests such as:
- Spider mites: These pests are a menace to the plant, as they suck sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing foliage. Management measures include pruning affected areas, applying insecticides, and improving humidity levels.
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves, leading to brown or silvered leaves. Control measures include maintaining high hygiene levels, pruning affected areas, and using pesticides.
- Scale insects: These are sessile insects that often appear on the underside of the plant's leaves, leading to yellowing foliage. Management measures include physically removing them, applying insecticides, or introducing natural predators to feed on them.
For Bulbophyllum intermedium, effective disease and pest management requires regular monitoring of the plant, proper sanitation of tools and equipment, and implementing appropriate control measures as soon as any signs of pests or diseases are detected.
