Bulbophyllum gracillimum

Also known as: The Graceful Bulbophyllum or Cirrhopetalum warianum Cirrhopetalum psittacoides Bulbophyllum psittacoides Bulbophyllum leratii Cirrhopetalum leratii The Wispy Umbrella Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia Fiji Indonesia New Caledonia Singapore Thailand

General Information

The Graceful Bulbophyllum is a small sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 12cm. Each new growth has a single leathery thick, erect, elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.5-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.1-2cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 86mm to 257mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 83% to 89%, highest in November and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 21C to 32C, highest in April (22C to 32C) and lowest in January (21C to 29C).

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.

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

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.