Bulbophyllum bracteatum

Also known as: The Bracteate Bulbophyllum or The Blotched Pineapple Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Queensland - Australia

General Information

The Bracteate Bulbophyllum is a cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Grows to 42cm. Each new growth has a single leathery oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.7-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.8-1.2cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

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

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 127mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 54% to 67%, highest in August and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 5C to 28C, highest in June (16C to 28C) and lowest in January (5C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

During Summer, be sure to keep media moist.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

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. 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.