Bulbophyllum levanae

Also known as: Levan's Bulbophyllum or Bulbophyllum levanae h.v. levanae Bulbophyllum levanae var. giganteum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bicol - Philippines Calabarzon - Philippines Central Luzon - Philippines

General Information

Levan's Bulbophyllum is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has a single leathery oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3-22cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-3cm

Fragrance

The fragrance can be described as disagreeable

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 447mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 75% to 85%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 21C to 29C, highest in May (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (21C to 26C).

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 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 This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.