Origin
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. is a species of orchid found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Common Names
The common names for Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. include Onion-Like Bulbophyllum and Filiform Bulbophyllum.
Uses
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. is used as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive appearance. It is commonly grown in greenhouses and gardens, as well as being used for hybridisation with other orchid species.
General Appearance
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. is a small-sized orchid that can grow up to 10 centimetres tall. It has thin, elongated leaves that are often twisted or curled, and the leaves can range in colour from green to brown. The unique feature of this orchid is its flowering stem, which resembles an onion bulb and can grow up to 15 centimetres in length. The stem produces tiny flowers that are white or yellow in colour, and often have a strong, sweet scent.
Growth Conditions for Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm.
Light Requirements: Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. is an epiphytic orchid that prefers bright but diffused light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight during the early morning or late afternoon, but excessive exposure to direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves and flowers. It is recommended to provide the plant with 12-14 hours of supplemental light during the winter months, especially if grown indoors.
Temperature Requirements: This orchid species thrives in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 18-30°C (64-86°F). It is essential to provide the plant with a well-ventilated environment with high humidity levels ranging between 70-80%. Low temperatures or sudden temperature fluctuations can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and drop, while high temperatures can cause leaf scorching.
Air Circulation: Good air circulation is crucial for the growth and development of Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. This orchid species requires a constant flow of air to prevent fungal or bacterial infections. It is recommended to use a small fan or grow the plant in an open environment to facilitate air movement.
Soil Requirements: As an epiphytic orchid, Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. does not grow in soil; it typically grows on tree branches or rocks. To cultivate this plant successfully, it is recommended to use a well-draining potting mix containing fir bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss. It is essential to prevent water logging in the potting mix as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Providing Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. with regular fertilization is essential for healthy growth. This orchid species requires a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20. It is recommended to fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter months.
Watering: This orchid species requires regular watering to maintain optimal growth and health. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency to once every two weeks during the winter months. It is essential to ensure that the potting mix dries out entirely before watering again to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. is an orchid plant that is native to Southeast Asia and prefers warm and humid environments. It is an epiphyte orchid, which means that it grows on other plants, and it requires a well-draining potting mix that mimics its natural environment. The ideal growing temperature for this orchid is between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 30°C), and it should be shielded from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
As an epiphyte orchid, Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. requires regular watering to mimic the moisture it receives from its natural environment. The potting mix should be kept moist but not soaked, and the orchid should be watered on a regular schedule, depending on the humidity of the growing environment. In general, the orchid should be watered every five to seven days, but this can vary depending on the climate and humidity levels.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. should be fertilized regularly. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 is suitable for this orchid. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season, and once a month during the winter months when the plant is dormant. It is important to dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength to avoid burning the plant.
Pruning
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. does not require much pruning, but dead foliage should be removed regularly to prevent rotting. If the plant produces a damaged or unsightly leaf or flower stem, it can be carefully cut back to the base of the plant with a sterile pair of pruning shears. Regular pruning will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm.
Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm., commonly known as the filiform Bulbophyllum, can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, and back-bulb propagation.
Seed Propagation
The filiform Bulbophyllum can be propagated from seed. The seeds are very fine and should be sown on a sterile potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and in a warm place with high humidity to facilitate germination. It may take a few months to a year for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
The filiform Bulbophyllum can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots. It is best done when the plant has become too large for its pot. Care must be taken not to damage the plant while separating it. Each new division should be potted separately using a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have formed.
Back-Bulb Propagation
Propagation through back-bulbs, a type of vegetative propagation, may also be carried out for the filiform Bulbophyllum. This method involves using the pseudobulbs, which are modified stems that usually store water. Pseudobulbs that have developed new growths and have started to produce roots can be carefully removed from the parent plant and potted individually. Back-bulb propagation is a useful method to propagate orchids that are difficult to propagate by other methods.
Disease Management
The Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. plant is susceptible to various diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It spreads rapidly, especially in warm and humid conditions. To manage this disease, the infected parts should be removed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
- Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight leads to the formation of water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn into black or brown spots. To control this disease, prune and remove the infected parts, and apply a bactericide or copper fungicide to the plant.
- Root Rot: This is a common disease that affects the roots of the plant, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The infected roots become mushy and discolored. To manage this, repot the plant in well-draining soil, reduce watering, and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pest Management
The Bulbophyllum resupinatum Ridl. var. filiforme (Kraenzl.) J.J.Verm. plant is prone to several pests, such as:
- Mites: These tiny pests live on the plant's underside, causing the leaves to curl up and turn yellow. To manage this pest, isolate the infected plant, remove the affected leaves, and apply a miticide to the plant.
- Mealybugs: These pests injure the plant by sucking out the sap from the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and yellowing. To manage this pest, gently wipe down the infected parts with an alcohol-soaked cloth or a cotton swab dipped in insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These small, flat insects attach themselves to the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, apply insecticidal soap to the plant, remove the heavily infested parts, and isolate the infected plant from other plants.
