Origin
Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. is a species of orchid that is native to the tropical forests of Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa.
Common Names
Commonly known as the Usambara Bulbophyllum, this orchid is also called the Bugula Orchid or the Lantern Orchid due to its unique flower shape.
Appearance
The Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. plant produces long, wiry stems that can grow up to 3 feet in length. The leaves of this orchid are small and elongated, growing alternately on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers of the Usambara Bulbophyllum have a distinct lantern-like shape and grow in clusters of up to 15 blooms. These flowers have a reddish-purple color and are covered with small hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance.
Uses
The Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. plant is primarily grown as an ornamental garden plant and is popular among orchid enthusiasts due to its unique and striking appearance. This orchid requires warm and humid conditions and can be grown in pots or mounted on bark or cork. In its native East Africa, the Usambara Bulbophyllum is also used in traditional medicine as an herbal remedy for treating various ailments such as coughs and fevers.
Light Requirements
Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. requires moderate to bright or filtered light conditions for proper growth. It can tolerate low light conditions but it will not flower and develop properly. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the plant's leaves. It is recommended that it be placed near a north or east-facing window. Artificial light sources like fluorescent lamps can also be used to provide the necessary light requirements.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. is between 20-26°C (68-79°F) during the day and 16-19°C (61-66°F) at night. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F) but it may affect the plant's growth and development. It is important to maintain a stable temperature throughout the year, especially during the winter season. Cold drafts and sudden temperature changes should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. requires a well-draining organic soil mix. It can be planted in a mixture of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but it should not be over watered as well. Watering should be done when the soil is slightly dry. During the winter season, temperatures should be lower, and watering should be reduced to prevent rotting of the roots.
Cultivation Methods for Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl.
When cultivating Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl., it is crucial to create a perfect environment that mimics its natural habitat. This plant species is native to Tanzania, where it grows on rocks and trees at high elevations. Therefore, it requires filtered light and high humidity levels. It is advisable to grow the plant in a greenhouse or terrarium where you can control the growing conditions better.
The ideal temperature for Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. ranges between 18-24 °C. Ensure to keep the temperature constant and avoid sudden drops. This plant variety prefers moist soil and does not tolerate dry conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Temper all watering in such a way as not to over-water or under-water the plant.
Watering Needs for Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl.
The watering needs for Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. depend on the prevailing weather conditions and growth cycle. Watering should be regular, but the water drained from the pot should have enough time to dry out between the watering cycle to avoid overwatering that may damage the plant. When watering, the recommended method is the bottom-up; dip the plant pot into a basin filled with water, wait for about 30 minutes and removed the pot.
The best water to use is softened water that has been allowed to sit for at least 24 hours to allow chlorine to escape as chlorine can be harmful to the delicate roots. It is also important to avoid wetting the leaves and pseudobulbs because this can lead to rotting, avoid watering the flowers excessively. This plant is vulnerable to root rot, and over-watering is its major cause.
Fertilization of Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl.
Fertilization is crucial for the growth and development of Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. The ideal time to support the growth of this plant is during the growing season. During fertilization, use a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratio of 20:20:20. Conversely, the deficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus is the most common among these plants.
The recommended method of application of fertilizer is through foliar application or adding it directly into the water during watering. For the foliar application, dilute the fertilizer in a ratio of 1:1500, then apply it to the leaves. Apply fertilizer in water by pouring a small portion of water into the pot and add the necessary amount of fertilizer then fill the pot of water.
Pruning of Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl.
Pruning is critical to maintaining the shape and size of Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. The ideal time to prune this plant is during late winter or early spring. At this point in time, the plant is coming out of its dormant period, and pruning will stimulate new growth, which will be faster.
Pruning Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. involves removing any dead or damaged leaves, stems, and branches. You can also remove sections of the plant that have grown too large or looks unhealthy. Avoid using dirty tools for pruning as dirty tools may infect the plant. Dip the pruning tools in alcohol before and after pruning.
Propagation of Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. is a striking orchid species that can be propagated through several methods, including:
Division
One common and straightforward method of propagating Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. is through division. This method involves dividing the plant's rhizomes into smaller sections, each with at least one healthy pseudobulb. The newly divided sections can then be potted up separately, using a suitable orchid potting mix.
Back-bulb division
When propagating Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. through division, it is also possible to use back-bulbs, which are old, leafless pseudobulbs that have already bloomed. These back-bulbs can be removed, and then each individual bulb can be potted up in a suitable orchid potting mix. This method can be useful for rejuvenating an older plant and giving it a new lease of life.
Keiki division
Keikis are small plantlets that grow on the parent plant's flower spikes or aerial roots. Once a keiki has grown several roots, it can be detached from the parent plant and potted up separately. This method can be a useful way of obtaining a new plant without damaging the parent plant.
Seed sowing
While propagating Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. through its seeds is possible, the process is more challenging and time-consuming than other methods. Orchid seeds are incredibly small and require specific germination conditions, such as high humidity, consistent moisture, and sterile culture media. Seed sowing should be undertaken by experienced orchid growers who have the appropriate equipment and knowledge.
Whichever method of propagation is chosen, it is essential to provide Bulbophyllum usambarae Kraenzl. with suitable care and growing conditions to encourage healthy root and shoot development and overall growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl.
Bulbophyllum Usambarae Kraenzl. is generally a disease-resistant and pest-resistant plant. However, with improper care and environment, it can be affected by various diseases and pests. Understanding the common diseases and pests of this plant and the ways to manage them is crucial for its health and longevity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bulbophyllum Usambarae is fungal infections. This can be caused by over-watering or high humidity levels, which creates the perfect environment for fungal growth. Symptoms of fungal infections include brown or black spots on the leaves and a fuzzy or powdery texture on the affected area. The best way to prevent fungal infections is by ensuring adequate air circulation and avoiding over-watering the plant.
Bulbophyllum Usambarae can also be affected by bacterial infections, which are characterized by soft, water-soaked spots on the leaves. This can be caused by high humidity levels and poor air circulation. To manage bacterial infections, it is important to avoid overcrowding of plants and to maintain a well-ventilated environment. Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Common pests that can affect Bulbophyllum Usambarae include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. They can cause webbing on the leaves and make the plant appear dull and lifeless. Scale insects can also be found on the leaves, and they appear as small, raised bumps. Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like pests found on the stems and leaves of the plant.
Pest Management
One way to manage spider mites is by using a jet of water to blast them off the leaves. For scale insects and mealybugs, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to control the pests. It is important to keep a close eye on pest infestations and treat them promptly to prevent further damage to the plant. Meticulous plant hygiene, such as removing dead plant material and keeping the growing environment clean, can also help prevent pest infestations.
Overall, a healthy Bulbophyllum Usambarae is less susceptible to diseases and pests. Providing the plant with optimal growing conditions, such as bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and proper watering, can help prevent problems. By identifying and managing disease and pest issues early on, the plant can thrive and bring joy to its caretaker.
