Bulbophyllum brevistylidium

Also known as: The Short Column Bulbophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

The Short Column Bulbophyllum is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.

Plant Description

Grows to 2.5-7.5cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.7-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 25mm to 460mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 75% to 83%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 21C to 31C, highest in May (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (21C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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 to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.