Origin
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is a species of orchid found in the Moluccas region of Indonesia. It was first discovered by the German botanist Rudolf Schlechter in 1911.
Common Names
The plant doesn't have a widely recognized common name, but it is sometimes referred to as Moliwen's Bulbophyllum.
Appearance
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is a small, epiphytic or terrestrial orchid with a creeping rhizome. It has oval-shaped pseudobulbs that can grow to be up to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide. Each pseudobulb bears a single, leathery leaf that is up to 15 cm long and 3 cm wide. The plant usually blooms in the summer, producing an inflorescence of 5 to 15 small flowers arranged in a raceme. The flowers are yellowish-green with red-brown markings and a dark red, fringed lip. They measure about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, as its small size and attractive flowers make it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts. It requires intermediate temperatures and high humidity to thrive, and is best grown in a well-draining mix of sphagnum moss and bark. The plant is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. requires moderate to bright indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves of the plant, so it is best to place it near a window with a sheer curtain or in a semi-shaded outdoor area.
Temperature Requirements
These plants need warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) to thrive. Consistent temperatures are preferred, and they should be kept away from drafty areas. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) should be avoided as they can put the plant into dormancy and cause leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is an epiphytic plant and thrives in well-drained soil. Use a well-draining medium such as orchid bark mix to ensure proper drainage. The plant can also be mounted on a piece of cork or a tree fern slab. The roots prefer to be moist but not waterlogged; thus, it's important to avoid over-watering.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr., like other Bulbophyllum plants, grows well in warm temperatures and high humidity. The plant prefers shaded conditions with a good airflow. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 60°F to 80°F, and it requires well-draining soil medium.
If you are planting a Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr., ensure to water it frequently especially during summers and very little during winters. If there isn’t sufficient humidity in the air, you can fill the extra humidity with a humidifier by placing it near the plant.
Watering Needs
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. requires watering once the watering mix has started getting dry. Never allow the plant soil to dry out completely, but at the same time, do not let the water stand in the pot or beneath it because it can cause the roots to rotting.
During the plant's active growing periods, give more water with frequent fertilization. Cut down on watering during the winter months unless you have a heating source, which can dry the plant faster.
Fertilization
To achieve healthy and robust Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr., fertilize once a week during its active growing period from spring to early fall. Use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Water the plant before applying the fertilizer to avoid root burn, which can cause damage to the plant.
If you do notice any yellowing of the leaves, reduce the amount of fertilization and rinse the plant thoroughly and change the soil medium as it can indicate a buildup of minerals in the soil from the fertilizer.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. requires pruning to keep it healthy and presentable. Remove any dead or yellowed leaves from the plant. Prune yellow leaves by cutting them off below the damaged area. Always use sterilized cutting tools to avoid introducing disease to the plant.
Remove any dead or damaged roots, and trim the healthy root mass to fit in the pot if necessary. When repotting, ensure to transfer into abundant pots that will comfortably accommodate the root ball without cramping it.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. can be propagated through two methods: division and seed.
Division
Division is the easiest and most common way to propagate Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in separate containers. The best time to divide Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is during the repotting phase, which is usually in spring.
First, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the bulbs from each other. Be sure to keep the roots intact and avoid damaging them. Each division should have at least one healthy bulb and some roots attached. The smaller bulbs can be removed and replanted separately, while the larger bulbs can be kept together.
After dividing the plant, replant each section in a suitable potting mix. Use a well-draining mix that is suitable for the plant's epiphytic nature. Give each section enough water to ensure that the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
Seed
Propagation of Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. through seed is possible but can be challenging. The plant produces tiny seeds that require specific conditions to germinate successfully.
Collect fresh seeds from a mature plant. Clean the seeds and soak them in warm water for 24 hours. After soaking, spread the seeds on a layer of sphagnum moss in a shallow tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, humid location. Keep the moss moist by misting it daily.
Once the seeds have germinated, usually within six months, carefully transplant the seedlings into separate containers with a suitable potting mix. Be patient with seed propagation as it can take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr.
Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. is an orchid species commonly grown in the humid and cool conditions of the mountainous regions of Papua New Guinea. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that requires proper disease and pest control measures to thrive. Some of the common diseases and pests of Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. include:
Diseases
Bacterial Soft Rot: This is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the roots of Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. The infected plant tissue appears to be water-soaked and eventually collapses. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and use well-draining potting mix. Remove and destroy any infected plant material. Use a copper-based bactericide to prevent further infection.
Black Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. Black rot attacks the roots and pseudobulbs of the plant, causing them to rot. Discolored and wilted leaves, stem, and roots are a sign of this disease. To prevent black rot, do not overwater the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. Remove and destroy the infected plant material. Use a copper-based fungicide to prevent further infection.
Virus: Viral infections can cause yellowing and deformation of the leaves. The infected plants must be destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as sterilizing tools and avoiding contact with infected plants, can also reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Pests
Mealybugs: These pests attack the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers of the Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. plant. Mealybugs are white and waxy and can be wiped off with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a pesticide specifically meant for mealybug control.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and dry out. You can control spider mites by pruning off the infected parts of the plant, increasing humidity, and using a miticide.
By taking proper disease and pest control measures, you can grow beautiful and healthy Bulbophyllum moliwense Schltr. plants.
