Bulbophyllum corolliferum

Also known as: The Wreath Carrying Cirrhopetalum or Cirrhopetalum corolliferum h.f. atropurpureum Bulbophyllum corolliferum h.f. atropurpureum Bulbophyllum corolliferum h.v. lutescens Bulbophyllum corolliferum h.f. aureum Cirrhopetalum concinnum var. purpureum Bulbophyllum curtisii Cirrhopetalum curtisii var. lutescens Cirrhopetalum curtisii var. purpureum Bulbophyllum curtisii var. purpureum Cirrhopetalum curtisii Bulbophyllum corolliferum var. purpureum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

The Wreath Carrying Cirrhopetalum is a sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, tongue shaped leaves that grow to 3-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-2cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter

Blooming Season

• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

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 56mm to 325mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 66% to 84%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 19C to 31C, highest in March (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (19C to 28C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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 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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during 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.