Bulbophyllum guamense

Also known as: The Guam Bulbophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Guam Bulbophyllum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 1-17cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 4-15cm 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 46mm to 353mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 77% to 85%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 23C to 29C, highest in May (24C to 29C) and lowest in January (23C to 28C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

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