Overview of Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is an orchid species that belongs to the Bulbophyllum genus. It is native to Papua New Guinea, where it can be found in the lowlands and in the high-altitude forests of the country. It is commonly known as the Kew Bulbophyllum due to its first collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Appearance
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is a small orchid species that typically grows up to 10cm in height. It features thin, wiry stems that bear glossy, evergreen leaves that are around 8cm long and 1.5cm wide. The flowers grow in clusters and are small, measuring between 0.5-1cm in diameter. They come in a range of colors, including yellow-brown, green, and maroon. The distinctive lips, which are yellow and fringed, protrude from the center of each flower.
Uses
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, delicate flowers. It is suitable for growing indoors as it thrives in warm, humid environments and requires little maintenance. It is occasionally used in traditional medicine in Papua New Guinea to treat various ailments, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy as a medicinal plant.
Overall, Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is a beautiful and unique orchid species that can add color and interest to any indoor garden or collection. Its hardiness and low-maintenance needs make it a popular choice for orchid enthusiasts around the world.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. typically grows well in bright but indirect light. It is best to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the plant's leaves. However, if grown indoors, it is necessary to provide ample light to the plant, for instance, providing bright light using fluorescent bulbs or grow lights. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of bright light each day to remain healthy.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers to be grown in warm temperatures and high humidity. The optimal temperature range for Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. falls between 65° F to 85° F, with an average humidity level of 60-70%. If grown in excessively cold temperatures, the plant may experience slow growth or even die. On the other hand, if grown in high temperatures above 90° F, the plant may become stressed, leading to wilting or yellowing of leaves.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. thrives best in well-draining soil with a high organic content. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5—6.5. Additionally, the plant requires excellent air circulation to grow properly. A soil mix consisting of coarse bark, sphagnum moss, perlite and charcoal in a 1:1:1:1 ratio is perfect for the plant’s growth. The mix allows for sufficient drainage and aeration.
Cultivation
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid species that grows well in warm, humid conditions. It is native to New Guinea, where it thrives in the forests at elevations between 800 and 2000 meters above sea level. To cultivate this species, replicate its natural environment as closely as possible.
Plant Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. in a potting mix that mimics the orchid's natural growing conditions. A mixture of sphagnum moss, coconut coir, and perlite will provide excellent drainage while maintaining sufficient moisture levels.
Provide your Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. with bright, filtered light. Although this orchid prefers low to medium light, it still needs enough light to produce healthy foliage and flowers. Place the plant in an east or west-facing window, or near fluorescent lighting if grown indoors.
Watering Needs
Water your Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. This orchid likes to have moist roots but hates sitting in water. Water the plant once a week and allow the top of the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings.
You can use rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water can be used in a pinch, but the chlorine and fluoride found in tap water can harm the plant over time.
Fertilization
Feed your Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids. Avoid applying fertilizer to dry roots, as this can burn the roots and harm the plant.
If you notice that your orchid is not growing as quickly as you'd like, consider increasing the frequency of fertilization. However, do not fertilize the plant during its dormant period.
Pruning
Prune your Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. regularly to stimulate new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as any spent flowers or flower spikes.
You can cut the flower spike just above the last node after the flowers are finished blooming. This will encourage the plant to produce a new flower spike and more flowers.
Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools before and after each use to avoid spreading disease to your orchid.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr., commonly known as the Kew Bull orchid, is a beautiful and unique orchid species that is native to Papua New Guinea. It is a popular species among orchid enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and ease of propagation. The effective propagation of this orchid can be achieved through several ways, including division, keiki, and tissue culture.
Division
One of the easiest ways of propagating Bulbophyllum kewense is through division. This method involves separating the older bulbs from the main plant, removing dead or dying roots, and planting them in separate containers. It is important to ensure that each new division has at least two bulbs and a healthy root system. The ideal time to perform division is during the orchid’s active growth period.
Keiki
Another method of propagating Bulbophyllum kewense is through keiki production. A keiki is a small plantlet that develops on the stem or the base of the orchid. To encourage keiki production, the orchid should be kept in a humid environment with appropriate lighting and adequate fertilization. Once the keiki has developed roots and leaves, it can be removed from the parent plant and planted in its own container.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagating Bulbophyllum kewense that involves growing the orchid from tissue samples in a sterile laboratory environment. This method allows for a higher rate of propagation and the production of multiple plants that are genetically identical. However, it requires advanced technical skills and specialized equipment to carry out successfully.
In conclusion, propagating Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. can be achieved through several effective methods, including division, keiki, and tissue culture. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method depends on the expertise of the grower, the available resources, and the desired outcome.
Disease Management for Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is an orchid species that can be affected by a number of diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Black rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium spp. and can cause blackening and decay of the roots and leaves.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
- Virus diseases: Several viruses can affect Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr., causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it's important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant parts and disposing of them away from the plantation. You can also use fungicides to manage fungal diseases, depending on the infection level. In addition, controlling humidity and moisture levels in the plantation can help prevent fungal infections.
Pest Management for Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum kewense Schltr. is vulnerable to pest attacks, with the most common pests including:
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause stunted growth, wilting and yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant. They appear as white, cotton-like growths on the leaves and stems.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and drying of leaves and distortion of plant parts.
- Thrips: These insects cause damage by sucking plant sap and can damage plant parts, causing reduced vigor and growth of the plant.
To manage these pests, you can use organic insecticides, neem oil, or horticultural oil. It's important to isolate infected plants and remove them from the plantation to prevent spreading. Additionally, maintaining plant hygiene by regularly cleaning leaves and stems and removing dead or dying plant parts can help prevent infections.
