Bulbophyllum bicolor

Also known as: The Two Colored Bulbophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: China Hong Kong

General Information

The Two Colored Bulbophyllum is a warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China and Hong Kong.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.7-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.2-2cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 30mm to 394mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 67% to 83%, highest in May and lowest in November. Temperature ranges from 11C to 29C, highest in July (24C to 29C) and lowest in February (11C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.