Bulbophyllum fractiflexum

Also known as: The Fractiflex Bulbophyllum or Bulbophyllum fractiflexum ssp. solomonense Bulbophyllum fractiflexum ssp. fractiflexum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Papua - Indonesia

General Information

The Fractiflex Bulbophyllum is a warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Indonesia. The name refers to the fractiflex inflorescence.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.4-90cm. Each new growth has a single erect lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.9-7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-3.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 193mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 78%, highest in January and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 21C to 31C, highest in June (23C to 31C) and lowest in January (21C to 26C).

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.

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

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. 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.