Overview:
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to Indonesia, specifically found on the island of Java. The species was first described by John Lindley in 1830.
Common Names:
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. has several common names, including Hops-Like Bulbophyllum and Hops-Scented Bulbophyllum, due to the plant's scent resembling the smell of hops.
Appearance:
The plant typically grows as an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants without harming them. It has small pseudobulbs, which are swollen stems used to store nutrients and water. The pseudobulbs grow to be around 1cm in diameter and have a grayish-green color. The leaves of the Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. are long and slender, growing to be around 10-15cm long and 1cm wide. The flowers produced by the plant are small and grow in clusters.
Uses:
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and pleasant scent. The orchid's scent is often compared to the aroma of hops, which has led to its use in the fragrance industry. In traditional Indonesian medicine, the plant is used to treat headaches and colds.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. prefers bright, indirect light. This species grows well under shade, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardeners. However, it can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight, especially during early morning hours.
Temperature Requirements
Keeping the temperature range between 15 °C to 30 °C is ideal for the healthy growth of Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. During the day, temperatures around 27 °C are ideal, and nighttime temperatures can fall below 15 °C without harming the plant. However, it is essential to avoid significant fluctuations in temperature, which can lead to reduced growth and damaged blooms.
Humidity Requirements
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. requires high humidity, preferably above 70%. Dry air can damage the leaves and result in stunted growth. Gardeners can maintain high humidity using plant humidifiers, pebble trays, or grouping plants together in humid locations. Daily misting is also beneficial for maintaining high humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix. Orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees in the wild, rather than in the ground. Therefore, the soil mix should be loose, airy and have excellent drainage capabilities. A recommended soil mix can be made by combining sphagnum peat moss, coconut coir, bark chips, and perlite in equal quantities. The soil should allow proper air circulation and avoid damp conditions, which can cause root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth. Gardeners should use a balanced liquid fertilizer at a quarter or half strength once a month, especially during the growing seasons. Over-fertilization can cause root damage, resulting in stunted growth and discolored leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. is a terrestrial orchid. It is ideally cultivated in a mix of bark, perlite, and coconut husk. You can plant the bulb in a container or directly in your garden bed. When planting, ensure you bury half of the bulb in the planting mix. This helps to keep the bulb stable as the roots start developing.
Watering Needs
Watering is a critical aspect of Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. care. This plant prefers evenly moist soil to dry soil. You should water it every four to five days, depending on the humidity of your area. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as it may lead to root rot. During the dormant period, you can water it sparingly until new growth starts.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. You can use balanced, water-soluble fertilizers to feed your plant. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks, ensuring you dilute it to half strength. During the dormant period, you can feed it once a month.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. does not require a lot of pruning. However, you can prune it to promote bushy growth. When the plant has finished blooming, remove the dead flower spike. You should also remove any damaged or dead leaves to promote the growth of new leaves. Use a sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl.
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. can be propagated through different methods such as:
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. Divisions should be made during the growing season, typically in late spring or early summer when new growth is just beginning. Carefully separate the plant at the rhizome into divisions with at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots. Each division should be potted individually in well-draining medium and kept in a shaded area with high humidity until new growth appears.
Back bulbs
Another propagation method for Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. is the use of back bulbs. Back bulbs are mature pseudobulbs that have lost their leaves and are no longer producing new growth. They can be removed from the plant and potted in a suitable medium. It may take a few months for new growth to appear since the back bulbs need to form new roots, but once the new growth appears, the plant will begin to grow vigorously.
Keikis
Keikis are small plantlets produced on the stem of the parent plant. They can be carefully removed from the parent plant and potted in a suitable medium. Keikis can be produced by wounding the stem of the parent plant or by providing high humidity around the plant. It may take several months for the keiki to develop into a mature plant.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is also possible with Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. Seeds should be sown when fresh in a well-draining medium. The seeds must be kept moist and in a warm, humid environment. Germination can take several weeks to months, and once the seedlings appear, they should be kept in a shaded area. It can take several years for the seedlings to mature into a blooming plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl.
Bulbophyllum lupulinum Lindl. is an epiphytic orchid species that is native to the Philippines. Like other plants, this species is prone to diseases and pest infestations that can damage or even kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Bulbophyllum lupulinum, and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bulbophyllum lupulinum can be affected by a range of fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Black Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium ultimum and can cause the plant to rot at the base. To manage black rot, it is important to ensure that the growing medium is well-draining and to avoid overwatering.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot can be caused by a range of fungal pathogens and can result in brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and to remove any infected leaves as soon as possible.
- Crown Rot: This disease is caused by a range of fungal and bacterial pathogens and can cause the plant to rot at the base. To manage crown rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the growing medium is well-draining.
Pests
Bulbophyllum lupulinum can also be affected by a range of pests, including:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can be a problem for Bulbophyllum lupulinum, particularly in dry conditions. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the humidity high around the plant and to spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can be recognized by their white, cotton-like appearance and can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the sap. To manage mealybugs, it is important to isolate any infected plants, remove any visible bugs manually, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects can be recognized by their hard, flat shells and can be difficult to manage. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove any visible insects manually and to spray the plant with horticultural oil.
Overall, the best way to avoid diseases and pests is to maintain good growing conditions for the plant, including good air circulation, proper watering, and appropriate lighting. Regular inspection of the plant and prompt action if any issues are observed can help to prevent any problems from becoming too severe.
