Description of Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is an orchid species that belongs to the family of Orchidaceae and the genus Bulbophyllum. It is commonly known as the Makak Orchid or Monkey Orchid. It is endemic to the island of Borneo, specifically on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon.
General Appearance
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is a tiny orchid species that can grow up to 5 cm tall. It has a single green leaf that is 3 to 5 cm long. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters of 4 to 6 and are only about 1 cm wide. The flowers are typically lavender colored with brown and white spots making it look like the face of a monkey. These unique flowers have garnered the plant a lot of interest in the scientific and the gardening communities.
Uses
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is primarily grown as a specimen plant for its unique-looking flowers. It is a rare plant in the wild and is considered threatened due to habitat loss. Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is quite tricky to grow and maintain, requiring high humidity and indirect sunlight. As such, it is mostly grown by orchid enthusiasts and collectors in terrariums or under artificial lights and misting systems.
Overall, the beauty and rarity of the Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen make it an interesting addition to any collection of orchids.
Light Requirements
The Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen plant requires a moderate amount of light to thrive. However, it should be kept out of direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. The ideal location for this plant is an east-facing window where it can receive filtered sunlight throughout most of the day. Artificial light can also be used to provide the necessary light conditions if natural light is not available or insufficient.
Temperature Requirements
The Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is a warm-growing orchid that requires a consistent temperature between 20°C to 30°C. It is essential to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations as it can negatively impact the plant's growth and cause blooming problems. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep the plant in a room with constant temperature levels, and away from air conditioning and heating vents.
Soil Requirements
The Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen plant thrives in a well-draining and porous growing medium. A commonly used mixture comprises 50% fine-grade bark, 20% charcoal, 20% perlite, and 10% sphagnum moss, which can provide enough nutrients and adequate drainage. The watering of Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen should be moderate, just enough to moisten the mix, but not so much that the roots are constantly immersed in the water. Also, avoid using hard water, which can cause mineral buildup and damage the sensitive roots of the orchid.
Cultivation methods
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is a small-sized, epiphytic orchid that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. To ensure proper growth, it is recommended to cultivate this plant in a greenhouse or a terrarium, where you can control the temperature and humidity levels easily.
The best potting medium for this plant is a mix of sphagnum moss and bark, with a little bit of perlite added for drainage. The plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound, so choose a small pot that can accommodate the roots.
It is important to provide adequate airflow to prevent the growth of mold or fungus. You can achieve this by using a fan or ensuring proper ventilation in the greenhouse/terrarium.
Watering needs
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen requires consistent moisture to grow, but do not overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Provide water when the potting mix feels dry to the touch, usually every 4 to 7 days. It is recommended to use rainwater or distilled water as the plant is sensitive to salts and chemicals found in tap water.
During the growing season, which typically starts in spring and ends in fall, increase the watering frequency. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant goes into dormancy.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen should be fertilized regularly, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing when the plant is in dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen. However, you can remove the withered flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen, commonly known as Makaka’s Bulbophyllum, is a species of orchid found in Southeast Asia. It is an epiphytic plant with small pseudobulbs that produce a single leaf, and the flowers are produced on an inflorescence that emerges from the base of the pseudobulb. If you are interested in propagating Bulbophyllum makakense, you can choose from the following methods:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Bulbophyllum makakense is through division. When you notice that the plant has outgrown its current pot or is getting crowded, carefully remove it from its pot and separate the individual pseudobulbs from the clump using a clean and sharp tool. Ensure that each division has at least one healthy pseudobulb, a good root system, and a healthy leaf. Plant each division in a suitable potting mix, ensuring that the pseudobulbs are slightly above the surface of the mix.
Meristem Culture
Meristem culture is another method you can use to propagate Bulbophyllum makakense. This method involves taking a tiny piece of tissue, known as a meristem, from a healthy plant and growing it into a whole new plant in a sterile environment. Meristem culture is ideal for propagating disease-free plants and can produce large numbers of plants in a small space. It requires specialized equipment and knowledge, so it's best left to experienced growers or laboratories.
Seed Propagation
Bulbophyllum makakense can also be propagated through seed. This method takes more time and patience than other propagation methods, but it can be rewarding. Collect the seed pods when they are mature and dry. Sow the seeds in a suitable potting mix and place them in a warm and humid environment. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks to several months.
Overall, Bulbophyllum makakense is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with the right technique and care, you can enjoy growing and expanding your collection of these beautiful orchids.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen
Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen is generally a healthy orchid species; however, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common issues that may affect the plant and suggested management strategies:
Diseases:
1. Bacterial Soft Rot: This is a very common bacterial disease that affects the leaves, roots, and pseudobulbs of the Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen plant. Overwatering, poor air circulation, and high humidity levels can be contributing factors to this disease. Affected leaves turn yellow and eventually, blackish water-soaked lesions appear. In most cases, the plant becomes mushy and collapses.
Control Measures:
- Remove and destroy all the infected plant parts as soon as possible to limit the spread of the disease.
- Repot the plant in a new pot that contains fresh and sterile potting mix.
- Reduce watering frequency and ensure good air circulation around the plant to promote quicker drying of the orchid's growing medium.
- You can apply a bactericide solution to kill off the bacteria causing the disease. Examples include copper-based fungicides, hydrogen peroxide, and other broad-spectrum fungicides.
2. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can affect the aerial parts of the plant including the leaves, flowers and pseudobulbs. Grayish, water-soaked lesions appear on the affected plant parts, followed by sunken and blackish lesions. The lesions can coalesce to form larger, necrotic areas.
Control Measures:
- Remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them properly.
- Apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further infection. Fungicides with active ingredients such as chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and copper-based fungicides can be effective in managing anthracnose.
- Improve air circulation and reduce humidity levels around the plant to discourage fungal growth.
- Water the plant properly and avoid wetting the leaves and flowers.
Pests:
1. Spider Mites: These are small pests that feed on the sap of the leaves and flowers of the Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen. Infested leaves may have yellow stippling and eventually turn brown or wilt. In severe cases, the plant may lose its leaves or flowers.
Control Measures:
- Use a gentle jet of water to wash off the spider mites from the leaves and flowers.
- Apply an insecticide with active ingredients such as neem oil, pyrethrin or insecticidal soap. Ensure that you follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Inspect the plant regularly and isolate infested plants from healthy ones to prevent the spread of the pests.
- Keep the growing area clean and free of litter and weeds where spider mites can hide.
2. Scale Insects: These are tiny pests that attach themselves to the leaves, flowers, and pseudobulbs of the orchid and suck the sap from the plant. This can cause the plant's growth to stunt, and in severe cases, result in death.
Control Measures:
- Use a toothbrush dipped in alcohol to scrub away the scale insects from the plant.
- Alternatively, you can dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and use it to spot-treat the affected plant parts.
- Apply an insecticide that contains neem oil, pyrethrin, or insecticidal soap to control the pests effectively.
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into your growing area to help control the pests.
In conclusion, regular inspection of the Bulbophyllum makakense Hansen plant is key in the prevention and management of diseases and pest infestations. Always take prompt action when you notice any signs of infection or damage to the plant.
