Origin of Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is a species of orchid belonging to the genus Bulbophyllum and the family Orchidaceae. The plant is endemic to Southeast Asia, particularly in Borneo and Sumatra. It is commonly found in forests, on wet rocks, and along riverbanks in elevations ranging from 100 to 1200 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is known by several common names depending on the region where it is found. In English-speaking countries, it is referred to as the "thin leafed Bulbophyllum" or "slender Bulbophyllum." In other countries such as Indonesia, it is referred to as "anggrek hitam" or "black orchid."
Uses of Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. has several uses, particularly in traditional medicine and horticulture. In traditional medicine, the plant's leaves are used to treat fever, diarrhoea, and dysentery. The roots and bulbs are used to cure headaches, stomach pains, and coughs. In horticulture, it is cultivated for its showy and fragrant flowers. The plant is also used in hybridization to produce new cultivars with unique characteristics.
General Appearance
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is a small epiphytic orchid with clustered, unbranched, elongated pseudobulbs that can reach up to 6 cm long. The plant's roots grow thick and fleshy and are greyish-white in colour. The long and slender leaves grow alternately on the pseudobulbs and can reach a length of up to 6 cm. The inflorescence, which arises from the base of the pseudobulb, bears up to 11 flowers which are fragrant and can measure up to 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are conical in shape and have dark purple and black colouration, with a small white or yellow lip protruding from the base.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. prefers moderate to bright light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight is best for this plant, as too much light can cause damage to its leaves and roots. If the plant is placed in an area with low light, it may not flower well.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures, with a minimum range of 18°C to a maximum of 32°C. It cannot withstand cold temperatures below 13°C. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 22°C to 27°C. However, it is important to note that excessively high temperatures can also damage this plant or cause it to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is recommended to use a well-draining orchid mix that is made up of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. It is also important to avoid using regular potting soil, which can retain too much water and cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is best grown in hanging baskets or mounted on slabs. This plant requires a humid and warm environment, making it ideal for growing in a greenhouse or terrarium.
It prefers bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can damage its delicate leaves. The plant also needs good air circulation to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria on its leaves and roots.
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants. In cultivation, it can be grown on a variety of materials, including bark, cork, or tree fern fiber. The growing medium must be well-draining to prevent the roots from rotting.
Watering Needs
Like other epiphytes, Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. requires consistent but moderate watering. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Before watering the plant, check that the growing medium is almost dry.
When watering, pour water slowly and thoroughly through the growing medium to ensure that the entire root system gets adequately hydrated. It is best to use room temperature or slightly warm water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
The plant's watering needs may vary depending on the environment and the season. During the growing season, when the plant is actively growing, it may need more frequent watering. On the other hand, during the dormant season, it will require less water.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is ideal for this plant.
It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and administer it every two weeks. Overfertilizing can cause damage to the plant's roots and leaves.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. does not require much pruning. However, removing dead or damaged leaves and pseudobulbs can help prevent the spread of disease and pests.
If the plant has outgrown its pot or container, it may be time to repot it. During this process, you can remove any dead or damaged roots and divide the plant if necessary.
It is essential to maintain good hygiene when pruning or repotting to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. Sterilize your tools and containers before use.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. can be propagated via three methods: division, keiki production, and from seed.
Division
Division is the easiest and most common method of propagating Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. This method is best used when repotting the plant.
To divide Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl., gently remove the plant from its pot. Carefully separate the pseudobulbs (bulb-like structures) and their attached roots and place them in small pots, with fresh potting mix. Ensure that you plant each separated division at the same depth it was in the original pot.
Keiki Production
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. can also produce keikis (small plantlets) that can be separated from the mother plant and potted individually. Keikis are produced when a node on the flower or stem elongates, creating a new plant with its roots that can be separated from the mother plant and left to grow in a separate pot.
To propagate Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. via keikis, once a keiki has formed, allow it to continue growing until it has developed adequate roots to support its growth. Then, gently remove the keiki from the mother plant, being careful not to damage the roots, and plant it in a small pot with fresh potting mix.
From seed
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. can be propagated from seed, although this method requires patience and expertise. Ensuring strict sterilization is essential to avoid fungal contamination of the seeds, and nutrient-rich culture media is required eventually to grow them into mature plants, which can take two to three years.
To propagate Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. from seed, obtain a suitable orchid culture medium and sow the seeds into it. Keep the medium at a temperature of around 25-30°C (77-86°F) in a humid environment with sufficient light. After germination, move the seedlings to individual pots and care for them accordingly.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum Pertenue Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. is a tropical orchid that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper management strategies are essential to keep the plant healthy and enhance its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl, and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a common disease that affects the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. This disease can cause leaf spot and rot, and it spreads through contact and contaminated tools. To manage bacterial blight, you should remove and destroy affected areas of the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid watering the plant from above and use only clean tools for pruning. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to the plant to control bacterial blight.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can also affect the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl and cause various symptoms such as leaf spots, wilting, and root rot. To manage fungal infections, remove and destroy affected parts of the plant, improve air circulation, and avoid excessive watering. You can also apply fungicides that contain copper or sulfur to the plant to control fungal infections.
Pests
Scale Insects
Scale insects are common pests that affect the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. These pests damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy affected areas of the plant, wash the plant with soapy water, and use horticultural oils. You can also introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the population of scale insects.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are another pest that can affect the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl. These pests cause leaf distortion and curling and also produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, you should remove and destroy affected areas of the plant, wash the plant with soapy water, and use horticultural oils. You can also introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the population of mealybugs.
By following the above management strategies, you can keep the Bulbophyllum pertenue Kraenzl healthy and productive, and minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests.
