Origin
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford is a species of orchid that is commonly found across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Common Names
This orchid is commonly known as the "Rose Colored Bulbophyllum" due to the pinkish-red coloring of its petals. It is also known by other common names, including the "Large-Flowered Bulbophyllum" and "Oxychilus Bulbophyllum".
Appearance
The Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford typically grows to a height of 10-15cm, with a spread of approximately 30cm. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are approximately 10cm in diameter. The petals of the flower are a pinkish-red color, with purple markings on the inside. The center of the flower is yellow and is surrounded by white hairs.
The leaves of the plant are light green and leathery, growing to a length of approximately 10cm. The plant produces a number of pseudobulbs, which store water and nutrients. The pseudobulbs are round and approximately 4-5cm in diameter.
Uses
The Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy flowers. It is a popular choice for home gardens and is often grown in pots or mounted on plaques. In traditional medicine, extracts from the plant have been used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, headaches, and digestive disorders.
Light requirements
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford requires bright, indirect light in order to thrive.
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant, so it is important to provide shade or filtered light. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain or a shaded spot under a tree canopy are suitable locations for the plant.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers a warm, humid environment with temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 60°F (16°C), but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
During the winter months, it is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts from doors or windows. The plant should also be protected from air conditioning or heating units, which can dry out the air and cause stress to the plant.
Soil requirements
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Use a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to create a light, airy medium that allows for good drainage.
It is essential to water the plant regularly, but do not let it sit in standing water. The potting medium should be kept slightly moist, but not soggy.
Frequent watering is required during the growing season (spring and summer), while water should be reduced during the winter months when the plant enters a dormant phase.
Cultivation Methods:
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford is an orchid plant that is primarily found in the Philippines. It thrives well in warm and humid environments, making it an ideal indoor plant for regions with cold temperatures. It requires good air circulation and moderate to bright indirect light. You can cultivate this plant in a pot or a basket with a well-draining potting mix made from bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.
Watering Needs:
The watering frequency of Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford depends on various factors such as temperature, light intensity, humidity, and the size of the pot. It would be best if you watered the plant when the potting mix feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot, which is a significant problem for orchids. You can use rainwater or distilled water for watering the plant as the chemicals in tap water can harm the plant.
Fertilization:
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford needs regular fertilization to sustain its growth and produce blooms. You can use a balanced orchid fertilizer with a 20-20-20 ratio or a specialized fertilizer designed for orchids. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, reduce the frequency to once every six weeks in the winter season. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid damaging the plant roots.
Pruning:
You can prune Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford during the late fall or early spring before the start of the growing season. Trim off any dead or damaged leaves and roots using sterilized scissors to prevent the spread of diseases. If there are any stems that have finished blooming, cut back the tip to encourage new growth and future blooms. Avoid pruning too much, as it can interfere with the plant's growth and flowering.
Propagation Methods for Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford, popularly known as the Pink Bulbophyllum, is a beautiful orchid species that can be propagated through the following methods:
Division
Division is the most common propagation method used for Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford. This method involves separating the plant's overgrown bulbs and planting them in a new pot. Roots should be trimmed before repotting to reduce stress since the plant is a delicate species.
Backbulb Propagation
The Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford can also be propagated through a technique known as backbulb propagation. The process of backbulb propagation involves removing older bulbs from the mature plant and planting them in a new pot. The separated bulbs will establish new roots and can grow into another mature plant.
Keiki Cuttings
The Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford can also be propagated with keiki cuttings. Keiki cuttings are essentially plantlets that grow on the stem of the mature plant once it has bloomed. When the plantlet has developed its roots, it can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a new pot.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation can be done by planting orchid seeds in a sterile growing medium. This method is less commonly used compared to the other techniques mentioned above since orchid seeds are hard to come by, and the growing process is time-consuming, requiring special conditions, equipment, and skills.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford
Bulbophyllum oxychilum Schltr. var. roseum W.Sanford is a species of plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. Like any other plant species, Bulbophyllum oxychilum can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases that can weaken or even kill the plant if left unmanaged. The following are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are one of the most common pests that can attack Bulbophyllum oxychilum. They are tiny pests that usually appear on the underside of the leaves, causing the leaves to look dusty and stippled. To manage spider mites, you can wash the plant with a high-pressure spray of water to dislodge the pests or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another common pest that can infest Bulbophyllum oxychilum. They are small, white, cottony insects that can be found on the leaves, stem, and roots of the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply an insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can affect Bulbophyllum oxychilum. It usually occurs when the plant is overwatered, causing the roots to rot. To prevent root rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. If the plant is affected by root rot, you can cut off the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Bacterial soft rot: Bacterial soft rot is another disease that can affect Bulbophyllum oxychilum. It is caused by a bacterial infection that can cause the plant to become soft and mushy. To manage bacterial soft rot, you should remove the affected plant parts and treat the remaining parts with a copper fungicide.
Overall, proper care and maintenance of Bulbophyllum oxychilum can help prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases. Regular inspection of the plant and prompt management of any problems can help ensure that the plant remains healthy and thriving.
