Origin:
Bulbophyllum scaberulum (Rolfe) Bolus var. album Perez-Vera is a species of orchid native to southern Africa, including Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It can be found growing in rocky environments in the shade of forest trees.
Common Names:
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album is commonly known as the White Bulbophyllum or the Smooth Bulbophyllum due to its white flowers and smooth petal surfaces.
Uses:
As an ornamental plant, Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album is often grown for its attractive, fragrant flowers. It can be kept as an indoor plant or grown in a greenhouse or tropical garden. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Africa for its healing properties.
General Appearance:
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album is a small epiphytic orchid that typically grows to around 8-12cm in height. It has small, cylindrical pseudobulbs that are covered in papery sheaths. Each pseudobulb produces a single, ovate leaf that is around 7cm in length. The plant produces a single inflorescence from the base of each pseudobulb, consisting of 2-6 fragrant flowers. The flowers are small, measuring around 1-2cm in diameter, and are pure white with yellowish-green markings on the lip. The petals and sepals are smooth and rounded, while the lip is fringed with multiple slender teeth.
Growth Conditions for Bulbophyllum Scaberulum Var. Album Perez-Vera
As a species of orchid, Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera has specific growth requirements that must be met for successful cultivation. These requirements are discussed below:
Light Requirements
When it comes to light, Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera thrives in filtered or diffused light. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive bright, but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and lead to overall ill-health of the plant. Ideal light conditions include 50 - 60% shade, with a maximum of 70% on hot sunny days.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for this orchid species is between 20 - 28°C during the day and 15 - 20°C at night. Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C. It is important to keep the plant in a location where the temperature doesn't fluctuate too much.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants like trees. Therefore, it doesn't need soil to grow. The plant can be grown in a pot with orchid bark mix or mounted on a piece of bark or tree fern, to mimic its natural habitat. It is important to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Use a loose, well-draining mix that doesn't retain too much moisture.
Overall, caring for Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera requires attention to its unique growth requirements. By providing adequate light, temperature, and soil conditions, this orchid species can thrive and grow to its full potential.
Cultivation Methods
Bulbophyllum scaberulum (Rolfe) Bolus var. album Perez-Vera prefers warm and humid conditions, making it a suitable plant for indoor cultivation in a greenhouse or terrarium. This orchid thrives in temperatures between 16 to 29°C (60-85°F) and requires diffused light and good air circulation. It should be planted in a well-draining potting mix that consists of well-chopped fir bark, perlite, and coconut coir.
Watering Needs
This orchid prefers to be kept moist but not overly wet. It should be watered once a week during warm weather and once every two weeks during colder months. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers as this can cause rot and fungal infections. Allow the potting mix to drain properly before returning the orchid to its growing area. During summer, the orchid can be misted in between watering to maintain the humidity levels.
Fertilization
Bulbophyllum scaberulum (Rolfe) Bolus var. album Perez-Vera requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and flowering. It should be fertilized every two weeks, using a balanced orchid fertilizer that contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter the recommended strength to prevent overfeeding the plant. During winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization as the orchid goes through its dormant phase.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the size and shape of the orchid. After flowering, dead or yellowing leaves and stems should be removed to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Use a sterilized pair of pruning shears and trim just above the node or joint where new growth is expected. Be careful not to damage healthy parts of the plant when pruning.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera is a beautiful orchid species known for its unique flowers that bloom in winter months. If you are planning to grow this plant or increase its population, you should know about its propagation methods.
Propagation through division
Division is the most common method to propagate Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera. You can divide the plant when it outgrows its container or shows signs of congestion. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and separate the pseudobulbs. Ensure that each division has at least two or three pseudobulbs and well-developed roots.
Next, place each division in a new pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the plants and keep them in a shaded area with high humidity. You should see new growth and roots within a few weeks.
Propagation through seeds
If you want to propagate Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera from seeds, you should know that it requires patience and precise environmental conditions. The orchid seeds are minute and do not have endosperm. Therefore, they require a symbiotic relationship with a fungus to germinate.
To propagate the orchid through seeds, collect the pods when they turn brown. Sterilize the pods and segregate them into a clean workspace to avoid contamination.
Next, prepare a flask with a sterile nutrient media and add a few drops of a fungal solution. Add the seeds to the flask and seal it with a suitable lid. Place the flask in an area with ample light, high humidity, and a temperature range of 60-80°F.
It may take between six months to a year for the seeds to germinate. After germination, you can move the seedlings to new pots.
With proper care and attention, you can successfully propagate Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album Perez-Vera through division or seeds to enhance your orchid collection or share it with other enthusiasts.
Disease Management
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album is susceptible to a few types of fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause damage to the plant.
One common fungal disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure or to treat an infestation.
Another fungal disease, leaf spot, causes circular lesions on the leaves that can affect the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot, can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. These spots can merge together, forming larger patches. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overwatering. Copper-based fungicides can also be used as a preventative measure or to treat an infestation.
Pest Management
Bulbophyllum scaberulum var. album is also susceptible to a few types of pests, including mites and mealybugs.
Mites are tiny pests that can be difficult to detect. Symptoms of a mite infestation include yellow or brown stippling on the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage mites, use a miticide and improve air circulation around the plant.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected plant parts and use an insecticide. It is also important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as cleaning tools and avoiding overcrowding plants.
