Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris

Also known as: In China Nan Fang Juan Ban Lan or Bulbophyllum viscidum Bulbophyllum rolfeanum Cirrhopetalum viscidum Cirrhopetalum siamense Cirrhopetalum gagnepainii Cirrhopetalum ciliatum Cirrhopetalum stramineum var. purpureum Bulbophyllum obtusiangulum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cambodia Myanmar Thailand

General Information

In China Nan Fang Juan Ban Lan is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.3-18cm. Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1-11.3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-2cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 117mm to 617mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in December and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 21C to 31C, highest in May (22C to 31C) and lowest in June (21C to 26C).

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

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